Storing, handling, and disposing
About storing and handling COVID-19 vaccines, and how to dispose of wasted vaccines.
For information on vaccine storage and handling of available COVID-19 antigens, refer to vaccine storage, handling, and monographs (scroll to "COVID-19 Vaccine Storage and Handling Guidance").
To view which COVID-19 vaccine Peel Public Health currently carriers, access the Peel Health Professionals Portal once onboarded.Additional information:
- The 'use by date' may be different from the expiry date.
- The 'use by time' is written in standard time.
- Punctured times are different based on vaccine brand. Refer to the COVID-19 vaccine storage and handling guidance for the most up to date information.
Secure disposal of COVID-19 vaccine vials and packaging
The Ministry of Health has removed the requirement to destroy vial labels and packaging. Vials, either empty or with vaccine remaining, should be disposed of per regulation and guidelines by the Ministry of Environment and Climate change:
- Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.19, Regulation 347
- C-4: The management of biomedical waste in Ontario
- Registration guidance manual for generators of liquid industrial and hazardous waste
Access general vaccine storage and handling information.
Disposing of wasted COVID-19 vaccines
- Any vaccine that is not used before the 'use by date and time' or is past the manufacturer's expiry date are considered wastage.
- Clinics should dispose of wasted COVID-19 vaccines onsite following their current clinic process for disposing of biohazard waste.
- Remove the wasted vaccine from refrigeration and place in a bag labelled 'Do Not Use' if it cannot be disposed of immediately.
