Health officials warn GPs against ‘incorrect’ vaccine storage

The alert comes after 13 general practices were found to be storing vials outside of their packaging because of lack of fridge space

GPs have been warned against removing vaccines from their cardboard packaging after more than a dozen practices admitted using the technique to squeeze more vials into their fridge.

There have been long-running complaints from GPs about so-called ‘fridge hogs’: oversized boxes which sometimes contain a single vial of vaccine.

Now, NSW Health says it has identified 13 general practices storing vials outside of their packages to increase fridge capacity.

A spokesperson said officials noticed the what was happening during a routine review of cold chain management at a GP clinic.