Cold chain: principles and practice

Join this webinar for essential cold chain management insights. Learn the principles of cold chain monitoring (“Strive for 5”), how to detect and manage breaches, best practice guidelines, and the responsibilities of the vaccine coordinator as per RACGP standards and Victorian Government guidelines.

This education session supports general practices preparing for RACGP accreditation by providing a clear understanding of cold chain management for vaccines, aligned with national and state guidelines.

Participants will learn to describe the core principles of cold chain monitoring in line with the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines: Strive for 5 and the Australian Immunisation Handbook. The session will explain how to detect and manage breaches, including immediate actions, documentation, and communication protocols to ensure vaccine safety and compliance.

The session also outlines best practice guidelines for vaccine storage, continuous temperature monitoring, and reporting requirements. 

This is ideal for all general practice staff who play a part in cold chain practices, particularly those responsible for management. Attendees will leave with practical knowledge to ensure vaccine cold chain practices are safe, compliant, and accreditation-ready.

Speakers:

Sara Drew is a seasoned registered nurse and nurse immuniser with a rich background in primary health care, public health, immunisation, chronic disease, management and education. She is dedicated to supporting and strengthening the role of primary health care nurses through workforce development and education. Sara holds a Grad Cert in Infection Prevention and Control through Griffith University and is a member of the RACGP Technical Working Group -infection prevention and control, participating in the most recent review of the IPC guidelines for general practices and other office-based and community-based practices.

Deborah Kerz is a highly experienced registered nurse and diabetes educator with over 30 years of service across public and private health sectors. Currently serving as a Nurse Education Officer at the Australian Primary Healthcare Nurses Association (APNA), she brings a wealth of knowledge in acute care and over 12 years of dedicated experience in primary health care within general practice. She holds qualifications in diabetes education and management and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. With a strong focus on chronic condition management, Deb is passionate about empowering nurses through education to deliver high quality, patient-centred care and improve health outcomes in the community.

Learning outcomes:

• Describe the responsibilities of the vaccine coordinator in the practice as outlined in the RACGP 5th Standards and as Victorian Government vaccine account holders
• Describe the principles of cold chain monitoring for immunisations according to the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines “Strive for 5” and the Australian Immunisation Handbook
• Explain how to detect and manage cold chain breaches
• Identify the best practice guidelines including monitoring and reporting