Strive for 5 vaccine storage training course
Safe vaccine storage is an essential part of every immunisation service. This course has been created to help health professionals and clinic staff understand the key principles of vaccine storage, cold chain management and practical response procedures.
The course is based on the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines – Strive for 5, 4th edition, which set out nationally consistent guidance for storing and handling vaccines within the recommended temperature range of +2°C to +8°C, with an aim of +5°C.
Download Strive or 5
Who this course is for
This course is suitable for anyone involved in receiving, storing, handling, transporting or administering vaccines.
It is particularly relevant for:
- Medical practices
- Community pharmacies
- Hospitals and health services
- Aged care providers
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations
- Local councils and community clinics
- Mobile and outreach immunisation providers
- Nurses, pharmacists, GPs and practice managers
- Reception, administration and support staff who may receive vaccine deliveries or record fridge temperatures
All staff who handle vaccines or are involved in vaccine storage should understand the importance of maintaining the cold chain and know what to do if something goes wrong.
Approximate completion time
This course should take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to complete.
You can complete it in one sitting or return to it later. Your progress will be saved as you complete each module.
What learners will cover
During the course, you will work through the main areas of safe vaccine storage and cold chain management.
You will cover:
- The purpose of the Strive for 5 guidelines
- What the cold chain is and why it matters
- The recommended vaccine storage temperature range
- What counts as a cold chain breach
- How vaccines can be affected by heat, freezing and UV light
- How vaccines should be received, stored and arranged
- Why purpose-built vaccine refrigerators are required
- How to monitor and record vaccine fridge temperatures
- How to use data loggers and minimum/maximum thermometers
- How to check thermometer accuracy using the slush test
- What should be included in a vaccine management protocol
- How to complete a vaccine storage self-audit
- What to do during a cold chain breach
- How to manage a power failure
- How to use coolers for transport, emergency storage and mobile clinics
Each module includes practical information, common mistakes to avoid and a short checkpoint to help reinforce the key ideas.
Certificate information
At the end of the course, you will complete a final assessment.
To receive your certificate, you must:
- Complete all course modules
- Complete the final assessment
- Achieve the required pass mark
Once completed, you will be able to access a Certificate of completion showing your name, the course title, completion date and certificate ID.
This certificate confirms that you have completed this training course. It is not a formal qualification or certificate of competency.
Important note
This course supports understanding of vaccine storage and cold chain management principles. It does not replace your workplace procedures, state or territory health department requirements, product information, clinical judgement or professional responsibilities.
Start the course
When you are ready, click the button below to begin.