In the National Immunization Schedule, the recommended storage temperature at ILR (Ice Lined Refrigerator) at PHC/CHC level for most vaccines (excluding polio and varicella) is:

• A 0°C to +4°C
• B -15°C to -25°C
• C +4°C to +10°C
• D +2°C to +8°C ✓

Explanation

ILRs at PHC/CHC level maintain temperatures of +2°C to +8°C for most vaccines in the Universal Immunization Programme. OPV and varicella are stored at -15°C to -25°C in deep freezers. The cold chain hierarchy is: State (deep freezer + cold storage at 0 to -20°C) → District/Regional (deep freezer + ILR) → PHC/CHC (ILR at 2-8°C) → Sub-centre (vaccine carrier at 2-8°C for ≤1 day). Exceeding the upper limit (+8°C) causes heat damage; going below +2°C can freeze and destroy liquid vaccines like DPT and Hepatitis B.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.