Compact Vaccine Refrigerators Meet Tight State Regs
Interior of the 2.5 cubic foot SA511LBI vaccine refrigerator
Tighter state regulations governing vaccine storage may impose stricter standards than those recommended by the CDC for temperature control and uniformity. Small to medium sized practices may want to check their state regulations for vaccine storage, especially if they participate in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.
In response to these new regulations Tovatech offers a new compact vaccine refrigerator line designed for small to medium-size medical practices while retaining external dimensions consistent with popular undercounter and countertop models. This is achieved with thicker wall insulation. Units are available in capacities ranging from 0.8 to 3.4 cubic feet (see table).
Vaccine Refrigerator Performance Specs
All models feature digital thermostats and are temperature stable within 2⁰ of set temperatures. All are equipped with high/low temperature alarms and NIST-calibrated internal temperature readouts to the nearest tenth of a degree.
In accordance with CDC recommendations these vaccine refrigerators feature self-closing shelf-less doors to help maintain temperature stability. With the exception of the 1.7 cubic foot SA24LVAC all models protect contents with a drop-down shelf doors, or clear plastic fronted interior bins, to minimize ambient temperature exposure to the unit’s entire contents when the door is open.
The low-maintenance, easily cleaned auto-defrost frost-free refrigerators feature fan-forced cooling to circulate refrigerated air evenly throughout the contents to provide temperature uniformity.
Access ports with dry contacts allow the placement of user-installed additional monitoring equipment. All units are equipped with door locks and can be fitted with temperature loggers and open door alarms and carry a 5-year compressor warranty and 1 year parts and labor warranty.
Model Number Dimensions HxWxD Cu. Ft. Number of Shelves/Bins
SA28LWHVAC 24.5 x 18.5 x 17.75” 0.8 2 with drop down doors
SA24LVAC 21.5 x 17.75 x 17.63” 1.7 2 shelves
SA511LBIVAC 33.5 x 19.25 x 22.25” 2.5 3 clear-plastic fronted bins
SA7LBIVAC 34.5 x 23.63 x 23.75” 2.6 3 clear-plastic fronted baskets
SA590VAC 34.25 x 23.63 x 24.25” 3.4 3 clear-plastic fronted baskets
Medical Practices – the Final Link in the Vaccine Cold Chain
Costly vaccines require storage under controlled temperatures from the time of manufacturing to the time of administration in doctors’ offices and medical clinics. This is a crucial requirement for organizations participating in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Vaccines lose their potency when exposed to higher or lower than recommended temperatures – usually between 35⁰ and 46⁰F (2⁰ and 8⁰C). Compromised vaccines, if administered, require re-vaccination, also a costly process and at great inconvenience to patients.
In addition to consulting your state’s regulations we suggest downloading the CDC Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit from the CDC website. We also invite you to view our post on Vaccine Refrigeration Recommendations.
Contact our scientific refrigeration specialists for additional details on these compact vaccine refrigerators or for help in selecting the correct equipment for your practice.
