Download Continuous Temperature Monitoring Device Required Starting in 2018 (PDF)

Announcement
Date: February 23, 2016
To:
MnVFC Providers
From: MnVFC Program
Re:
Continuous Temperature Monitoring Device Required Starting in 2018
Please route to:
• Clinical supervisor
• Medical director
• Clinic manager
• Clinic staff
• Pharmacy
• Vaccine staff
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that as of Jan. 1, 2018, Vaccines for Children (VFC)
providers will be required to use a continuous temperature monitoring device (i.e., a data logger or a continuous
temperature monitoring system) in storage units that hold VFC vaccine. Unlike a min/max thermometer, a continuous
temperature monitoring device provides detailed information on all temperatures recorded at preset intervals. It can
provide information on when a temperature went out-of-range, for how long, and what the temperatures were.
Required Features
The continuous temperature monitoring device must have:
• Continuous monitoring and recording capabilities to track and record temperatures over time.
• The capacity to routinely download temperature data to a computer (recommended at least weekly).
• Detachable probe in a bottle filled with a thermal buffer (e.g., bio-safe glycol).
• Active temperature display.
Recommended Features
MnVFC recommends continuous temperature monitoring devices with:
• Alarm for out-of-range temperatures.
• Accuracy within +/-1°F (+/- 0.5°C).
• Low battery indicator.
• Display of current, minimum, and maximum temperatures.
• Memory storage of at least 4,000 readings.
• User programmable logging intervals (e.g., the user can set how often the device records the temperature).
For more information on temperature monitoring devices and calibration, please reference the MnVFC Guide to
Temperature Monitoring Devices on the MnVFC website (www.health.state.mn.us/vfc).
Related Requirements
Monitoring temperatures twice daily: You must continue to document the temperature of each vaccine storage unit
twice a day. The use of a continuous temperature monitoring device does not exclude you from this requirement.
Back-up thermometer: You do not need to purchase a continuous temperature monitoring device for a back-up and can
continue to use a calibrated thermometer for this purpose.
Concerned about Cost?
MDH will have a limited number of data loggers available for sites where the cost of data loggers will prevent them from
meeting this requirement. We will send more information once the data loggers are available.
MnVFC Program
651-201-5522, 800-657-3970
www.health.state.mn.us/vfc