d. Measles. Fever, maculopapular rash, and local reaction at the injection site
are possible side effects. An adverse reaction occurs usually only after an inactivated
vaccination; the person may contract measles several years later. For this situation, it is
recommended that revaccination be with live attenuated vaccine.
Section VI. PRECAUTIONS TO USE WHEN HANDLING AND STORING
IMMUNIZING AGENTS
1-17. INTRODUCTION
All biologicals obtained in this country for general use in the Armed Forces must
conform to the regulations of the Public Health Service regarding such materials.
Immunizing agents procured from sources not licensed by the Department of Health
and Human Services will meet standards acceptable to the National Institutes of Health
or the appropriate Armed Service Investigational Drug Review Board. Expiration
periods are based upon comprehensive experience and study of the rate at which
specific biologicals lose immunizing potency. Based on the surveillance and assay of
storage lots, potency periods (dating) may be curtailed or extended (under very specific
limitations) by the Surgeon General.
1-18. STORAGE OF BIOLOGICALS
a. Yellow Fever. Yellow fever is a live attenuated virus and comes frozen. It
must be stored at below 0 C or below 32 F and must be used within one hour after
thawing. (-15 to -18 C and 0 to 5 F is ideal.) Thawing or evidence of thawing during
and after shipment renders the shipment unacceptable for use.
b. Polio Virus Vaccine. Oral, live poliomyelitis vaccine also comes frozen and,
as with yellow fever, vaccine must be stored at below 0 C or below 32 F. Once used,
the remainder must be kept in a refrigerator at 2 to 8 C or 35 F to 45 F. The
maximum storage time is seven days.
c. Vaccine Temperature. All other vaccines should be kept refrigerated and
stored at between 2 C to 8 C or 35.6 F to 46.4 F. Never freeze these vaccines.
Keep a record on the refrigerator door. Twice a day write the temperature of the
refrigerator and the freezer on this record.
d. Vaccine Change or Possible Change. Shipments will not be accepted for
use if there is a change in the physical appearance or evidence which suggests
bacterial contamination or growth. Evidence of alteration or knowledge that during
shipment the vaccines were subjected to temperatures varying from those indicated will
necessitate withholding the vaccine from issue or use. If there is any doubt regarding
the appearance, storage, and so forth, of any antigen, don't use it. Return it to the
appropriate source (supply, pharmacy, and so forth) with notations.
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