MMR Vaccine Storage and Handling Guidelines
Introduction to MMR Vaccine Storage
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the MMR vaccine be stored at 2-8°C (35.6-46.4°F) or colder, and exposure to 38°C represents a significant cold chain failure that compromises vaccine effectiveness 1, 2
Critical Storage Requirements
- The MMR vaccine must be stored at 2-8°C or colder until reconstitution, as the live attenuated viruses in the vaccine are heat-sensitive and will degrade when exposed to temperatures outside this range 1, 2
- The vaccine must be shipped at 10°C (50°F) or colder, and after reconstitution, it must be used within 8 hours and stored at 2-8°C, protected from light 1, 2
Clinical Implications of Temperature Excursions
- Administration of improperly stored MMR vaccine may fail to provide protection against measles, rubella, and/or mumps 1, 2
- If the MMR vaccine has been exposed to 38°C, it should be discarded and not administered, as there is no grace period for temperature excursions 1, 2
Manufacturer Guidance
- If there is any question about MMR vaccine viability after temperature excursion, the manufacturer should be contacted for guidance 3
Population Vulnerability
- Use of compromised MMR vaccine can leave populations vulnerable during outbreaks 1