Before loading a vaccine carrier for an outreach session, the health worker removes ice packs from the freezer. Why must the ice packs be conditioned before being placed in the carrier?
- A To prevent freezing of freeze-sensitive vaccines such as hepatitis B and pentavalent ✓
- B To increase the cold life of the carrier beyond 12 hours
- C To melt excess water so the carrier does not become heavy
- D To activate the VVM on the vials placed inside
Correct answer: A. To prevent freezing of freeze-sensitive vaccines such as hepatitis B and pentavalent
Explanation
Ice packs straight from the freezer are well below 0 degrees C and can freeze vaccines touching them. Conditioning means leaving the ice packs at room temperature until the ice core moves freely inside the pack, raising their surface toward 0 degrees C. This protects freeze-sensitive vaccines like hepatitis A, DPT, TT and pentavalent while still keeping the carrier within 2 to 8 degrees C. Conditioning does not extend cold life and has nothing to do with the VVM.
Reference: WHO Immunization in Practice, 2015 update ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.