At our farm, May is known as “spring shots” month. It is the time of the year that all animals, pets and livestock receive their spring shots. Some vaccines are given by us and some are given by our “Visiting Vet”. Did you know that poor handling and incorrect storage can decrease the potency of any vaccine and can potentially make it ineffective?
Extreme temperature changes, both cold and hot, are harmful to vaccines. Vaccines that have killed antigens or “killed vaccines” contain an adjuvant to help enhance the immune response. If the vaccine gets too cold or freezes, the vaccine may undergo adverse changes to the adjuvant or antigen, resulting in a less effective vaccine and reduced immune response. Warm temperatures and UV light can have negative effects on most vaccines and can cause them to become ineffective, as well.
Proper storage of vaccines and antibiotics isn’t just for the safety of the livestock but for the safety of humans, as well. DO NOT store livestock vaccines or antibiotics in your family refrigerator. Antibiotics in plastic does leak through the plastic into the refrigerator, it doesn’t have to leave a mess. Even just using the antibiotics and then putting the bottle back into the refrigerator leaves residue on the bottle and box. You wouldn’t treat animals then eat without cleaning your hands, so don’t put this stuff in your refrigerator!
HEED MY WARNING – if you are trying to get pregnant, get all hormone products out of your refrigerator!
Follow this one important rule – Outside Animals = Outside Refrigerator! It is recommended that you do not use a dormitory style refrigerator/freezer or a combo refrigerator/freezer model.
Finally, a few do’s and don’ts for your OUTSIDE refrigerator to keep your vaccines and antibiotics safe:
DO:
- Always make sure the refrigerator door is shut.
- Use water bottles to fill unused space which will help maintain consistent temperatures throughout. If water bottles are used, label them DO NOT DRINK!
- Leave 2 to 3 inches between all vaccines and the refrigeration unit walls.
- Post DO NOT UNPLUG signs on the unit and by the electrical outlet.
DON’T:
- Storing vaccines on the top shelf, in doors, or on the floor of the unit is a big don’t, since colder and sometimes freezing temperatures can be reached in these locations.
And for your safety, PLEASE DO NOT put food or beverages inside this refrigerator.