How are expired vaccines disposed?
The best resource for guidance on specific policies regarding the disposition of unopened vials, expired vials, unused doses, doses drawn but not administered, and potentially compromised vaccine due to inappropriate storage conditions would be the vaccine manufacturer or the state health department. Contact information can be found at: http://www2a.cdc.gov/vaccines/ed/shtoolkit/pages/resources.htm Additionally, the state health department can provide details about medical waste disposal procedures in your area. In general, vaccine and diluent vials, used needles, and used syringes (that may or may not contain vaccine) may be dropped into a sharps container and autoclaved, or disposed of following the procedures for all other biohazard materials. If the vials or doses are publicly purchased, the health department can provide instructions on returning doses for excise tax credit.
