Condition on Arrival

• Refrigerate on arrival.¹

Storage

• Store unopened and open vials (ie, multi-dose vials) at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F); DO NOT FREEZE. All vaccine must be discarded after the expiration date.

Handling

• The vaccine is used directly as supplied. No dilution or reconstitution is necessary.
• Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. The vaccine is a clear, colorless solution.

General Tips

• If you have questions about the condition of the vaccine at the time of delivery, you should immediately place vaccine in recommended storage; and call the Merck Vaccine Customer Center at 1-877-VAX-MERCK (1-877-829-6372), or call the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).
• Rotate stock so that the earliest-dated vaccine is used first.¹
• Ensure that the refrigerator is plugged into an outlet in a protected area where it cannot be disconnected accidentally.¹
• Record refrigerator and freezer temperatures twice a day in a temperature log.¹
• It is important to use a separate sterile syringe and needle for each individual patient to prevent transmission of infectious agents from one person to another.
• Needles should be disposed of properly.¹
• All vaccines must be discarded after the expiration date; expired or damaged Vaccines for Children (VFC) vaccines must be returned to your State Immunization Program.¹
• For vaccines that are used as supplied, no reconstitution is necessary. Click here for a demonstration of proper handling when reconstitution is not required.
• For general questions concerning the proper storage and handling of Merck vaccines, please contact the Merck Vaccine Customer Center at 1-800-MERCK-90 (1-800-637-2590), Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm ET.
• Before administering PNEUMOVAX 23, please read the Prescribing Information.

Reference: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Vaccine storage and handling (Appendix C). In Atkinson W, Hamborsky J, McIntyre L, Wolfe S, eds. Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. 10th ed. Washington DC: Public Health Foundation; 2007:C1–C20.

PNEUMOVAX 23 is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc.

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