What if varicella vaccine is inadvertently placed in the refrigerator instead of the freezer?
Do not administer the vaccine until you have consulted with Merck. The expiration date of the vaccine will be affected. The mishandled vaccine should be clearly marked and should be immediately placed in the freezer, separate from vaccine that has been properly handled. Call the Merck Vaccine Division at 1-800-9VARIVAX. If the vaccine has been kept cold at all times, and has been refrigerated for less than 72 hours, the company will probably recommend that you change the expiration date on the package and use the vaccine as soon as possible.
