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Background
Before talking about what makes a vaccine fridge unique, it is important to understand why they need to do it. Vaccines are temperature sensitive. Like milk, if you let it get too warm, it will have a shorter shelf life. But milk can be frozen and still used. Vaccines can not be frozen. It kills them. There are some exceptions, but overall, frozen vaccines are dead vaccines.

In Australia the requirement is for vaccines to be stored between 2°C and 8°C. There was a big campaign to “Strive for 5” (see www.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/DF94731AD8CBF34ECA2575BD001C8129/$File/strive-4-five.pdf)

The aim of a vaccine fridge
So if vaccines must be stored between 2° and 5° the aim of a vaccine fridge is to reliably control the temperature between these ranges.

The aim of a domestic fridge is to “try to keep my stuff cool”. How often have you pulled out a frozen item out of your fridge?

This article will cover the differences between a domestic and vaccine fridge. There are now a number of domestic fridges that have many of these advanced features and this will increase with time.

The special features of a vaccine fridge
Probably the biggest difference is that a vaccine fridge has a micro-processor (like a computer) controlling it. It determines when the fridge compressor should turn on and off. A domestic fridge has a dial that turns the compressor on, and no control over when it should turn off.

The next big difference is that a vaccine fridge is fan forced. This ensures a more even temperature distribution throughout the fridge. This is similar to a fan forced oven. Over stocking a fridge will compromise this and the reason why you should buy a larger fridge if possible.

The built-in processor offers extra capabilities as well. Displaying the temperature on the outside of the fridge allows staff to check what is going on. This is an expensive thermometer but it is critical that staff are aware of the temperature sensitivity of the vaccines.

The vaccine fridge will also have a number of alarm options. This will include a local buzzer or siren, but can also include external alarm capabilities. So if the door is left open then staff will be quickly notified. In a domestic fridge there are no alarms and it isn’t until the next person uses the fridge that the problem is found.

One feature that I feel is important is a non-exposed cooling plate. Not all vaccine fridges have it, and it makes it possible for product to be pushed against the cooling plate.

Glass doors are also an optional feature. Some people like them because it means the door doesn’t have to be held open, but it does impact on the fridge’s ability to retain heat if power is lost.

It’s all about reliable temperature
So a vaccine fridge has a micro-processor to ensure the compressor turns on and off at the correct temperatures, displays the temperature, has an alarm if a problem occurs. The fridge itself has a fan to circulate the air.

vaccinetemperature.com.au has further information on vaccine storage as well as a free poster offer.

Is it worth the money?
As a supplier of temperature loggers, I know how many domestic fridges have been freezing vaccines. As a parent, I would now say that I would never get a vaccine from anyone who stores it in a domestic fridge. So as an end user, I think they are worth every cent.

What is covered with our shipping insurance?

Our normal terms and conditions (like most businesses) is that you take possession the moment an order ships. If the order is lost or damaged in transit then, in theory, it’s your problem. In reality we will have a conversation and try to work out a good way to resolve the issue where we are both happy (or not too upset).

Shipping insurance is there to remove the drama. If an order is lost or damaged in transit, we will simply send out a replacement, and we will then deal with the courier directly to resolve the original problem.

Our shipping insurance also means that if an order is delayed beyond what is normal and reasonable then we will send you another shipment (stock levels permitting). Then you should receive one of them sooner, and when the second one arrives you simply Return To Sender.

How much is shipping insurance?

Shipping insurance is 5% of the cost of the goods.

Is it worth it? Practically we have had far less than 5% of shipments have problems. It is, however, what Australia Post and other couriers charge. Ultimately insurance is about peace of mind and less hassle when something does go wrong.

Shipping insurance as an option

Shipping insurance is offered as an option on all our web sites. You can select it at the checkout.

For large orders our staff may also ask if you would like shipping insurance.

If you would like shipping insurance on an order you are placing with us, just ask.

Mandatory shipping insurance

Unfortunately we have had a couple of large orders not make it and then the customer refused to pay. A friend suggested that the easy way to avoid the dispute is to insure any shipments where we have a significant risk.

If you would like an immediate line of credit (30 days to pay) and have the goods ship immediately (no credit check delays) and are purchasing over $500 then we will add shipping insurance to your order.

The shipping insurance can be waived if the order is between $500 and $2,000 and you provide us with a formal confirmation that you accept responsibility of the goods once they ship.

Alternatively you can prepay by direct deposit or credit card.

What is not covered?

If there is a clear proof of delivery to the shipping address provided then we class that as delivered. Unfortunately there are cases where it is lost somewhere between the loading dock or receptionist and ending up in your hands. But we also know that a photo of the bag against a generic grey background is not proof of delivery, it is just proof of existence! It needs to be a reasonable proof of delivery.

It also doesn’t cover the expectation of overnight delivery. For example, if we were to ship to Melbourne (we are in Sydney) then we would expect it to be delivered within about 3 days. Most of the time it is overnight, but there are enough floods and other issues that regularly cause minor delays. Sending a second order the next day tends to not fix the problem. If it is super urgent, talk to us about how we can minimise the risk.

For damage claims we ask that you contact us immediately and we will probably ask for photos or some proof. The shipping insurance doesn’t cover claims weeks later. We do have warranty covering our items, but it excludes physical damage (e.g. being dropped). If the goods are damaged in transit then please let us know ASAP so we can cover it under the shipping insurance.