Vaccines have played a major role in modern history by ending epidemics and outbreaks of major diseases. From deadly diseases like smallpox to flu and measles, they are an important part of the public health arsenal. Vaccine safety and efficacy depend on correct storage and transportation. Medical refrigerators of different kinds, like undercounter medical refrigerators, can ensure that the vaccines will be kept at the recommended temperatures.

Vaccines prevent epidemics
Vaccines were first invented in the eighteenth century by Edward Jenner in England. In 1789 he found out how to create immunity to smallpox, and began a trend in disease prevention that has changed the course of history. Dreaded disease like smallpox were all but wiped out, and common diseases like measles and mumps were brought under control. Measles vaccines alone have saved around 17.1 million lives since 2000, according to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Measles and Rubella Initiative.
Vaccination also helps to prevent other diseases and unnecessary hospitalizations. As of 2014, vaccination of children over the past 20 years is estimated to prevent over 21 million hospitalizations and 732,000 deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Vaccines can help adults as well as children, especially the elderly who may be more susceptible to diseases like the flu. According to CDC estimates, the flu may be responsible for as many as 710,000 hospitalizations and up to 56,000 deaths, since 2010.

Maintaining vaccine safety and efficacy
To be effective, vaccines must be stored and transported carefully. They must be kept at the recommended temperatures in specially designed vaccine freezers and vaccine refrigerators. They should be kept in pharmaceutical refrigerators at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC. Frozen vaccines must be kept in a temperature range of 5 to -58 degrees Fahrenheit.
Healthcare professionals, doctors and scientists have a wide range of medical refrigerators and freezers to choose from to keep their vaccines safe. These can be customized for each pharmacy and lab, with different models to fit every space. For example, undercounter medical refrigerators can help maximize space. Vaccine storage refrigerator and freezer temperatures should be carefully monitored and recorded at several different times each day.

Vaccines play an important role in public health plans to control and eradicate dangerous diseases. To be effective, vaccines must be stored and transported correctly. Research labs, doctors’ offices and pharmacies can choose from a range of vaccines freezers and refrigerators, such as space-saving undercounter medical refrigerators, to keep the vaccines safe and effective.