Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

Which vaccine product must be stored in a freezer?

1. Flulaval (influenza vaccine)

2. Varivax (varicella vaccine)

3. Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine

4. Adacel (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine)

The correct answer is: Varivax (varicella vaccine)

Varivax, the varicella vaccine, must be stored in a freezer to maintain its effectiveness and stability. This vaccine is sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and exposure to temperatures outside of the recommended freezing conditions can lead to a loss of potency. Proper storage at ultra-cold temperatures ensures that the live attenuated virus in the vaccine remains viable until it is administered. In contrast, other vaccines listed in the options have different storage requirements; for instance, the influenza vaccine, measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, and the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine can generally be stored in a refrigerator rather than needing to be frozen. Understanding these specific storage requirements is crucial for pharmacy technicians to ensure that vaccines are administered effectively and safely.