Cold Chain Management Essentials - How to read and reset the digital display of a vaccine refrigerator
0:04 - Under the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines, it is mandatory to record vaccine fridge temperatures at least twice a day.
0:13 - This is important because it allows clinicians to be informed as soon as possible if vaccines have been exposed to a cold chain breach.
0:23 - Do your first check in the morning and your second at the end of the day.
0:30 - Record 3 temperatures each time, the maximum, the minimum and the current temperature.
0:37 - Always reset the digital display after each reading.
0:41 - If the temperature is outside 2°C to 8°C, take action straight away.
0:49 - This temperature chart can be downloaded from the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines.
0:55 - Print and attach it to the front of the vaccine fridge.
0:59 - Each fridge will need its own chart.
1:02 - Start by marking the current temperature in the centre.
1:06 - Write the maximum temperature in the top box and the minimum down below.
1:12 - Don't forget to add your initials each time you record a temperature.
1:16 - “Strive for 5” means maintaining vaccines at around 5°C, which is the midpoint of the recommended storage range of 2°C to 8°C.
1:27 - This is a key principle of cold chain management as temperatures below 2°C and above 8°C can damage or destroy vaccines.
1:39 - If the temperature goes outside 2°C to 8°C, it is a cold chain breach and breaches involving government funded vaccines must be reported to the Victorian Department of Health.
1:51 - The only exception is if the temperature rises up to 12°C for less than 15 minutes during restocking, cleaning or stock taking.
2:03 - These minor temperature fluctuations do not need to be reported.
2:10 - Here's how to check your vaccine fridge digital display.
2:13 - Keep in mind displays can look a bit different depending on the brand of the fridge.
2:19 - The number you see is the current temperature.
2:23 - Press the up arrow or MAX to see the highest temperature that the vaccine fridge recorded since your last check.
2:32 - Press the down arrow or MIN to display the lowest temperature recorded. To make sure your readings are accurate and current always reset the digital display after you've recorded the temperature.
2:47 - Check your vaccine fridge manual for the right way to reset it.
2:52 - Some fridges require you to hold down the set button for a few seconds, others may need you to hold down 2 buttons together.
3:01 - Always double check your manual and make sure your fridge door is closed properly and the fridge is plugged in.
3:09 - Remember to record the maximum, minimum and current temperatures twice a day on your vaccine fridge.
3:17 - Always reset the digital display after each check.
3:21 - If the temperature goes below 2°C or above 8°C, it is a cold chain breach unless it is a short fluctuation of up to 12°C for less than 15 minutes.
3:35 - Check the Department of Health web page for how to assess a cold chain breach and to access the latest Cold Chain Breach Report form.
3:44 - For more information, visit www.health.vic.gov.au and search for Cold Chain Management or search for the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines
3:57 - “Strive for 5”
Reviewed 06 January 2026