{"id":180,"date":"2023-06-27T16:35:53","date_gmt":"2023-06-27T16:35:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.merckvaccines.com\/varivax\/?page_id=180"},"modified":"2025-10-28T10:48:56","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T10:48:56","slug":"storage-handling","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.merckvaccines.com\/varivax\/storage-handling\/","title":{"rendered":"Storage and handling"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
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Storage and handling for VARIVAX\u00ae<\/sup> (Varicella Virus Vaccine Live)<\/strong><\/h1>
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Condition on arrival<\/strong> <\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Vaccine should be frozen.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Storage<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Before reconstitution, store the lyophilized vaccine in a freezer at a temperature between -58\u00b0F and +5\u00b0F (-50\u00b0C and -15\u00b0C). <\/li>
Before reconstitution, protect from light.<\/li>
Any freezer (eg, chest, frost-free) that reliably maintains a temperature between -58\u00b0F and +5\u00b0F (-50\u00b0C and -15\u00b0C) and has a separate sealed freezer door is acceptable for storing VARIVAX.<\/li>
May be stored at refrigerator temperature (36\u00b0F to 46\u00b0F, 2\u00b0C to 8\u00b0C) for up to 72 continuous hours prior to reconstitution. Vaccine stored at 36\u00b0F to 46\u00b0F (2\u00b0C to 8\u00b0C) that is not used within 72 hours of removal from +5\u00b0F (-15\u00b0C) storage should be discarded.<\/li>
The diluent should be stored separately at room temperature (68\u00b0F to 77\u00b0F, 20\u00b0C to 25\u00b0C), or in the refrigerator.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Handling<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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DO NOT FREEZE reconstituted vaccine.<\/li>
DISCARD IF RECONSTITUTED VACCINE IS NOT USED WITHIN 30 MINUTES.<\/li>
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. The vaccine when reconstituted is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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General tips<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Vaccine should be frozen. 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 877.VAX.MERCK (877.829.6372).1<\/sup><\/li>
Ensure that the refrigerator is plugged into an outlet in a protected area where it cannot be disconnected accidentally. Dormitory-style freezers are not acceptable for the storage of varicella vaccine.1<\/sup><\/code><\/li>
For general questions concerning the proper storage and handling of Merck vaccines, please contact the Merck Vaccine Customer Helpline at 800.MERCK.90 (800.637.2590), Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM ET.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Questions about VARIVAX\u00ae vaccine?<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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If you have questions about the condition of the vaccine at the time of delivery, you should immediately place the vaccine in the recommended storage and call the Merck Vaccine Customer Care Center at 877.VAX.MERCK (877.829.6372).<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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For general questions, please contact the Merck Vaccine Customer Helpline at 800.MERCK.90 (800.637.2590), Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM ET.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Actual size not shown<\/figcaption>Actual size not shown<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Looking to stock VARIVAX\u00ae in your practice?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Simply register or log in to your account to get started<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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