Cold Chain Management Essentials: How to download temperature reports from a data logger
0:04 - The National Vaccine Storage Guidelines - "Strive for 5" require immunisation providers to use a data logger.
0:12 - This is also a condition to hold a Victorian Government vaccine account.
0:17 - A data logger is a small electronic device that continuously monitors the vaccine fridge temperature and should be set up to record the temperature every 5 minutes.
0:28 - If the vaccine fridge does not have an inbuilt data logger, a battery powered option can be purchased and installed easily.
0:37 - The images here are examples only.
0:41 - Information from the data logger is to be downloaded and reviewed at least weekly or in the event of a temperature fluctuation.
0:50 - This is in addition to the twice daily minimum, maximum and current temperature readings from the vaccine fridge digital display.
1:01 - In this example, the vaccine fridge shows that overnight there has been a maximum temperature of 18.2°C.
1:09 - To find out how long the vaccines were exposed to this temperature, the data logger temperature report will need to be downloaded.
1:17 - Refer to your data logger manual for instructions on how to download your data.
1:24 - After the temperatures have been downloaded, the length of the cold chain breach can be assessed.
1:30 - In this case, the cold chain breach began at 12:54 AM and lasted for 1 hour and 45 minutes.
1:39 - There are a few different ways that the downloaded data can be presented. The important thing is that they are all in the table format with the temperatures clearly recorded at 5-minute intervals.
1:53 - Check your data logger manual for instructions to download the information in this format.
1:59 - Begin by connecting the data logger to a computer using a USB, cable or wireless options.
Configure the device to record fridge temperatures every 5 minutes and set alarms to alert you if temperatures fall below 2°C or rise above 8°C.
2:20 - Placement is important. Position the data logger in the middle of the vaccine fridge, ideally suspended from a shelf, and in the middle of the vaccines.
2:31 - If your data logger is a USB, make sure it's capped.
2:35 - For models with a temperature probe, place the probe in a glycol vial or inside a vaccine box.
2:44 - All staff should be trained to download and assess data from the logger. Download and review temperature data weekly or after any temperature fluctuations. If temperatures go outside the recommended range, follow the Victorian Government cold chain management protocols to report any cold chain breach affecting government funded vaccines.
3:09 - For further assistance with setup, contact your data logger's manufacturer.
3:17 - To maintain accuracy, change the data logger battery at least every 12 months or as indicated by the manufacturer, and ensure that it is recalibrated every year, ideally at the same time you service the vaccine fridge.
3:34 - For more information, visit www.health.vic.gov.au and search for Cold Chain Management or search for the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines - "Strive for 5".
Reviewed 06 January 2026