Which temperature is considered critical for freezer storage of vaccines?

The critical temperature for freezer storage of vaccines is regarded as below -15°C. This temperature is essential because many vaccines require specific thermal conditions to maintain their efficacy and safety. When stored above this threshold, vaccines may begin to lose their potency or may become compromised, which can lead to ineffective immunization.

Maintaining a temperature below -15°C ensures that the vaccines remain stable and effective, preserving their biological activity until they are used. This is particularly important for live or inactivated vaccines that might be more sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

Other temperature ranges mentioned, such as above 0°C, below -5°C, or at 0°C, do not provide the necessary cold storage conditions required for optimal vaccine preservation. These temperatures can allow for the biochemical processes in vaccines to occur that degrade their components, rendering them less effective or ineffective.