Strive for 5

This year the government will be securing the largest ever supply of influenza vaccines. With strict social distancing protocols currently in place, influenza transmission could be reduced. However, unlike previous years, the advice this year is to start vaccinating as soon as the vaccines arrive as the regular flu season may coincide with the peak of the coronavirus pandemic.

This is a timely reminder to ‘Strive for 5’ – this is the point midway between +2°C and +8°C which is the temperature range recommended for vaccine storage. Many vaccines are damaged or destroyed at temperatures outside this range.

There are numerous resources available on the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines website – these include posters for stickers that you can use in your practice.