Vaccine Handling and Storage, by Bob LeValley

Amy Barkley, Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

November 22, 2021
Vaccine Handling and Storage, by Bob LeValley

Vaccine Handling and Storage

Bob LeValley, Oklahoma Beef Quality Assurance Coordinator

 

The highest quality vaccine that producers purchase may be of little value if not handled and stored properly.  Even experienced producers may overlook key principles when preparing and administering vaccines and other animal health products.  Product storage and handling is important to ensure that the efficacy of the products is not compromised. 

 

Modified live vaccines must be reconstituted with a sterile diluent prior to administration.  It is generally recommended that these products be used within an hour of reconstitution.  The products are routinely used with a good response when administered and handled according to label directions.  The processing speed in a stocker operation is often considerably faster than a cow/calf operation.  Cow/calf processing facilities are often in area that are not well sheltered from the weather.  This stresses the need to exercise caution when handling and administering modified live products.  Common handling techniques can render MLV products ineffective and even reduce the effectiveness of killed vaccines and other products.

 

It is always a good practice to purchase vaccines from a reputable distributor. A vaccine will have less than normal effectiveness if it has ever been stored improperly.  Improper storage includes freezing, and/or exposure to heat or sunlight.  Maintaining a high level of efficacy is critical to establishing immunity in a majority of vaccinated cattle.  Vaccines should be stored in a dependable refrigerator that maintains a temperature (typically 35-45⁰ F) as directed by the product label. Chute side vaccine coolers work well for holding the vaccines during processing.  These coolers have slots for holding syringes after they are loaded, and vaccines are placed inside the cooler to maintain temperature.  Vaccine coolers can be purchased ready to put to use, or can easily be constructed by converting small coolers to this intended purpose.  Instructions for constructing an inexpensive vaccine cooler are available by clicking the "Chute Side Vaccine Cooler" link on the beefextension.okstate.edu website.

 

It is also important to maintain a record of lot/serial numbers of products in the event of a recall or other situations that may arise.  A quick and easy method of recording the lot and serial numbers while working cattle is to simply to take a photo of the information on the vial label with a cell phone camera.  It can be transferred later to more permanent records.  Products that are out of date should be properly discarded.  Through proper record keeping, storage and handling, animal health products will be an effective piece of a comprehensive cattle health program. 

 

Dr. John Gilliam, Clinical Associate Professor for Food Animal with the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma State University, discusses herd heath and vaccination. This webinar is part of the Thursday Rancher's Series and was presented on Sept. 17, 2020. OSU Extension: Herd Health and Vaccinations - YouTube




Field Crops

Field Crops

Dairy

Dairy

Business

Business

Livestock

Livestock

Grains

Grains

Upcoming Events

Navigating HPAI in Cattle: What Dairy Farmers Need to Know

April 1, 2024

Join NMPF and the National Dairy FARM Program for a webinar discussing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle, offering the most up-to-date information on the rapidly evolving animal health issue. The session will include updates from USDA about their investigation, as well as an on-the-ground report from a field veterinarian working with affected cows. The session will also explore the virus's transmission, the significance of reporting infected animals, and identification and treatment protocols. Practical strategies to safeguard the health of dairy cattle via biosecurity measures will also be discussed.

View Navigating HPAI in Cattle: What Dairy Farmers Need to Know Details

DEC License CORE Training Series (BELMONT)

February 28, 2024
March 6, 2024
March 13, 2024
March 27, 2024
April 3, 2024

Belmont, NY

DEC Pesticide Applicator License Training Series

This series consists of 5 classes. Classes are on Wednesdays (2/28, 3/6, 3/13, 3/27 & 4/3) from 1:15pm - 4:15pm

Location: Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County in Belmont, NY

View DEC License CORE Training Series (BELMONT) Details

DEC License CORE Training Series (RANDOLPH)

February 28, 2024
March 6, 2024
March 13, 2024
March 27, 2024
April 3, 2024

Randolph, NY

DEC Pesticide Applicator License Training Series

This series consists of 5 classes. Classes are on Wednesdays (2/28, 3/6, 3/13, 3/27 & 4/3) from 8:30am - 11:30am

Location: Town of Randolph Community Room - 72 Main Street, Randolph, NY 14772

View DEC License CORE Training Series (RANDOLPH) Details

Announcements

Reporting Winter Storm Damage - It's Important!

Winter's here, and with that comes high winds, heavy snow loads, power outages, and damages that negatively impact your farm business. Katelyn Walley shares the importance of documenting damages and reporting them here, along with key contact information.

NEWSLETTER   |   CURRENT PROJECTS   |   IMPACT IN NY   |   SPONSORSHIP  |  RESOURCES   |   SITE MAP