TO:	Vaccine for Children (VFC) Providers

   FROM:	Mayra S. Lacén
		CDC Public Health Advisor/DHSS Immunization Program Manager

   DATE:	December 23, 2008

SUBJECT:	IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING DORM-STYLE REFRIGERATORS

Dear Vaccines for Children (VFC) program participants:

The Delaware VFC program would like to remind all VFC providers that current 
program guidelines prohibit the use of dorm-style refrigerators for vaccine 
storage. A dorm-style refrigerator is defined as a small combination 
refrigerator/freezer unit that is outfitted with one external door, an 
evaporator plate (cooling coil) which is usually located inside an ice-maker 
compartment (freezer) within the refrigerator, and is void of a temperature 
alarm device. Its temperature control sensor reacts to the temperature of the 
evaporator rather than the general air in the storage compartment. When the 
compressor is on, the evaporator cools to lower the temperature in the 
refrigerator, in most cases to below 0°C. Dorm-style refrigerators place 
vaccine at a high risk of freezing.  Ideally, vaccine storage units should be 
temperature-monitored/alarm-equipped stand-alone refrigerators and stand-
alone freezers. These units, unlike the dorm-style units, will have an 
evaporator that is located behind the surface of the walls, the back of the 
refrigerator compartment or, in most cases in the back of the unit. While 
these dorm-style units may perform well periodically, these types of units do 
not reliably maintain the temperatures needed to keep vaccine safely within 
the required ranges.  Effective immediately, all newly enrolling VFC providers 
cannot use a dorm-style refrigerator as a permanent storage unit for VFC 
vaccine, and current providers must phase out these units before the end of 
the year 2009.  By January 1, 2010 there shall be no Delaware VFC providers 
using dorm-style refrigerators. One of the main reasons that the Delaware VFC 
program is taking this action is the rising cost of vaccine.  As VFC vaccine 
cost approaches $3 billion nationally and over $10 million for the state, it 
is essential for the integrity and continuation of the VFC program to ensure 
that VFC vaccine is stored in appropriate units which decrease the chance of 
vaccine loss due to inappropriate storage conditions. 

Your cooperation in this matter is important to us. If you have any questions 
concerning this information, please contact the DHHS Immunization Program at 
1-800-282-8672.

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cc:		Dr. Martin Luta
		   Chief, DHHS Bureau of Communicable Disease

		Wanda Atkinson
		   VFC Administrative Specialist

		Alexandra Rexrode
		   VFC Administrative Specialist

		Fred Bailey
		   Provider Quality Assurance Coordinator
			

DHSS Immunization Program • Bureau of Communicable Disease
Thomas Collins Building • Suite #4
540 S. DuPont Highway • Dover, DE  19901
(800) 282-8672