Which of the following vaccine should kept in freezer compartment of refrigerator?

Appeared in: NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The Measles vaccine is a live-attenuated vaccine supplied in a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder form.
Live vaccines like Measles are sensitive to heat but are not damaged by freezing; in fact, freezing helps preserve their potency.
Therefore, it is recommended to store the Measles vaccine in the freezer at a temperature between -15°C and -25°C.
Once reconstituted (mixed with its diluent), it must be kept between +2°C and +8°C and used within 6 hours.

Option B: DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) is a freeze-sensitive vaccine because it contains an aluminum adjuvant. Freezing causes irreversible damage to the adjuvant, leading to loss of potency.
Option C: Hepatitis B (Hep-B) vaccine is also freeze-sensitive due to the presence of an aluminum adjuvant. It must never be frozen as this will destroy its effectiveness.
Option D: Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine is a toxoid vaccine that contains an aluminum adjuvant, making it sensitive to freezing. Freezing will damage the vaccine and render it ineffective.

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Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vaccine storage and cold chain management as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Maintaining the 'cold chain' is a critical nursing responsibility to ensure vaccine efficacy and patient safety. This involves storing and transporting vaccines within the recommended temperature range from manufacturer to patient.
Nurses must monitor and record refrigerator and freezer temperatures twice daily to ensure they are within the correct range.
What if? - If a nurse suspects a freeze-sensitive vaccine like DPT or Hep-B has been frozen, they must not use it. They should quarantine the vial, label it 'DO NOT USE', and perform a 'shake test' to confirm damage before discarding it according to protocol.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concept in the question, which is the storage requirement for vaccines, specifically which one can be frozen.
Recall the two main categories of vaccines based on temperature sensitivity: freeze-stable (live vaccines like Measles, OPV) and freeze-sensitive (adjuvant-containing vaccines like DPT, TT, Hep-B).
Analyze the given options: Measles (live), DPT (inactivated), Hep-B (inactivated), and TT (toxoid).
Apply your knowledge: The live vaccine (Measles) is the one that can be stored in the freezer.
Eliminate the other options because they are all freeze-sensitive and would be damaged by freezing.
Select the option that matches your conclusion.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.