REMINDER: Return Unused or Expired Publicly Funded Influenza Vaccine to OGPMSS
Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is reminding healthcare providers to return publicly funded influenza vaccine that cannot be used to the Ontario Government Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Service (OGPMSS).
Healthcare providers are reminded to:
Return influenza vaccine using the Non-Reusable Vaccine (spoiled or expired) Return Record - Toronto Clients, available on the government's form repository.
Maintain minimal stock of influenza vaccine in cold chain to accommodate individuals who are still seeking influenza immunization between April and August, if applicable.
Return influenza vaccine that has expired, is no longer usable (e.g., experienced a cold chain incident) or will not be used (but not yet expired).
Discard punctured/entered influenza vaccine vials with vaccine remaining that cannot be used. Do not return these vials to OGPMSS. Discard them in your biohazard waste. Wastage from the punctured/entered vials should be noted on OGPMSS’ vaccine return form.
Do not return COVID-19 vaccine that cannot be used. Please review Appendix C in the General COVID-19: Vaccine Storage and Handling Guidance for additional information regarding disposal of COVID-19 vaccine.
Continue to report all temperature excursions (cold chain incidents) promptly to TPH. To report, call 416-338-7600, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm or email coldchain@toronto.ca.
Contact OGPMSS at OGPMSS.MOH@ontario.ca if you have any questions regarding the vaccine return process.