3 Must-Know Factors (Other Than Price) Before Buying a Vaccine Fridge

When it comes to buying a vaccine refrigerator for your pharmacy or medical practice, it’s easy to fall into that trap of haggling for the “best price possible” and buying the cheapest product, especially if it seems to fit your purpose and budget.

The downside of focusing on the purchase price alone is that buyers also tend to ignore the expense of running and using the refrigerator after purchase. It’s only after you’ve bought, installed and stocked the fridge with vaccines that you’ll start to realise how expensive it is to run and how costly it might be to manage repairs for it, should they be required.   

So, the next time you’re looking to buy a vaccine fridge, take the time to look not only at the purchase price but also the lifetime cost of the device. What you may find is that paying a higher purchase price for a superior quality product at the start may, in fact, save you money in the long run.

Here are three things to consider (other than purchase price) before you buy a vaccine fridge.

1. Energy Consumption

Probably the most important post-sale expense to consider when buying a vaccine fridge is the cost to run the refrigerator. Some manufacturers promote the energy consumption level of their products while others may not. So it’s best to have an accurate figure on how much power the refrigerator requires to run on a daily basis before making your decision. 

Once you know how much power the fridge needs every 24 hours, you can then calculate the total cost of running the refrigerator monthly, annually and for the expected life of the product (be it three, five or more years). Do this calculation to compare similar products and you’ll be surprised at the potential cost savings you’ll benefit from. You may also want to add the purchase price back into your calculation, to give you a feel for the expected total cost of ownership.

When it comes to energy consumption, it’s also worth considering what refrigerant is used to cool the vaccine fridge. Non-HCFC (hydrocarbon fluorocarbon) refrigerants like R 290 and R 600a are known for their positive thermodynamic properties, and so don’t need the power load (and cost) to cool the vaccine refrigerator effectively. Another bonus is, non-HCFC refrigerants reduce greenhouse gas emissions, so that’s good for the environment, too.

The design of the vaccine refrigerator can also contribute to the level of energy consumption and power cost savings, so look for refrigerators with thick insulation and optimised air cooling systems.

2. Reliability

Opt for a refrigerator that is manufactured with high-quality materials, tested to international standards for temperature control and reliability, and is Quality Care Pharmacy Program (QCPP) compliant. If possible, check failure rates with suppliers to ensure that the vaccine fridge refrigerator you choose minimises your chances of losing expensive vaccines from cold chain breaches or unexpected breakdowns.

3. Warranty & Preventative Maintenance

Always check the warranty period provided by suppliers and verify if the cost of parts and labour are included with the purchase of the vaccine fridge. To further protect your investment, ask the supplier to provide details of an authorised biomedical engineer who specialises in vaccine fridge maintenance so you can arrange for them to perform a yearly preventative service call to minimise probability of a breakdown. Obviously, this cost needs to be factored into the total cost of owning the vaccine fridge but can be offset by the assurance it gives you from knowing that your newly purchased unit is in good condition and will continue to work optimally in the future. Preventive check-ups also help you prevent financial loss of stored vaccines due to unexpected system failure and save money in the long run by not having to replace your vaccine fridge earlier than expected.

We hope you found this article useful. If you did, feel free to share with your colleagues or contacts.

That ends the first of two e-mails on this topic. Keep an eye out for e-mail two where we place under a microscope the consumption costs of leading vaccine fridges. We will also share our product reviews on three leading brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I consider besides price when buying a vaccine fridge?

Beyond the purchase price, you should consider three critical factors: energy consumption (daily running costs), reliability (quality of materials and temperature control standards), and warranty coverage with preventative maintenance options. These factors significantly impact the total lifetime cost of ownership and can help you avoid expensive repairs, vaccine losses, and premature replacement.

2. How do I calculate the total cost of ownership for a vaccine refrigerator?

To calculate total ownership costs, first determine the fridge's daily power consumption (kW per 24 hours), then multiply this by your electricity rate to get daily running costs. Calculate monthly and annual costs, then multiply by the expected lifespan (typically 3-5+ years). Add the initial purchase price to these running costs for a complete picture of total ownership expense.

3. What type of refrigerant is best for vaccine fridges?

Non-HCFC (hydrocarbon fluorocarbon) refrigerants like R 290 and R 600a are ideal for vaccine fridges. These refrigerants have positive thermodynamic properties that require less power load and cost to cool effectively, resulting in lower energy consumption. They also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making them more environmentally friendly than traditional refrigerants.

4. Why is energy consumption important in vaccine refrigerators?

Energy consumption is probably the most important post-sale expense for vaccine fridges, as they run continuously 24/7. A vaccine fridge with high energy consumption can cost significantly more over its lifetime compared to an energy-efficient model. Calculating running costs before purchase can reveal substantial long-term savings that may outweigh a higher initial purchase price.

5. What is QCPP compliance for vaccine fridges?

QCPP (Quality Care Pharmacy Program) compliance ensures that vaccine refrigerators meet specific quality and safety standards required for Australian pharmacies and medical practices. When purchasing a vaccine fridge, look for models that are QCPP compliant, manufactured with high-quality materials, and tested to international standards for temperature control and reliability.

6. How can I prevent vaccine loss due to refrigerator failure?

To prevent vaccine loss, choose a reliable vaccine fridge with low failure rates, check warranty coverage for parts and labour, and arrange yearly preventative maintenance with an authorised biomedical engineer. Regular preventative service calls minimise the probability of breakdowns and cold chain breaches, protecting your expensive vaccine stock from unexpected system failures.

7. What warranty should I look for when buying a vaccine fridge?

Always verify the warranty period provided by suppliers and confirm whether the cost of parts and labour are included with the purchase. A comprehensive warranty protects your investment and reduces unexpected repair costs. Additionally, ask the supplier to provide details of authorised biomedical engineers who specialise in vaccine fridge maintenance for future servicing needs.

8. How does vaccine fridge design affect energy efficiency?

The design of a vaccine refrigerator significantly contributes to energy consumption levels and power cost savings. Look for refrigerators with thick insulation and optimised air cooling systems, as these design features help maintain stable temperatures whilst minimising energy usage. Well-designed fridges with superior insulation require less power to maintain proper cold chain temperatures for vaccine storage.

9. What is the most common medical equipment for a new practice? 

Starting a new medical practice requires the right equipment and furniture to ensure smooth operations and patient care. Below are some of the essential medical items typically required:

Medical Equipment:

• Stethoscopes: Used for listening to heartbeats, lung sounds, and other bodily functions.

• Ophthalmoscopes: Essential for examining the eyes and diagnosing conditions like cataracts or glaucoma.

• Otoscopes: Used to look inside the ear and diagnose conditions such as infections or earwax buildup.

• Diagnostic Sets: Includes tools for examining eyes, ears, throat, and other areas of the body.

• Defibrillators: Life-saving devices used to restore a normal heart rhythm during emergencies.

• Thermometers: Vital for measuring patient body temperature to check for fever or other health concerns.

• Automatic Blood Pressure Monitors: Provides quick and accurate blood pressure readings without the need for manual cuff inflation.

• Pulse Oximeters: Measures oxygen saturation levels in the blood, an important tool for respiratory health.

• Scales: For accurately weighing patients as part of routine check-ups.

• Sphygmomanometers: Used for manual blood pressure measurement.

• Spirometers: Essential for assessing lung function, particularly in patients with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

Medical Furniture:

• Couches, Beds, and Tables: Comfortable and functional furniture for patient examination and treatment.

• Lighting: Proper lighting is essential for accurate diagnoses and a comfortable environment for patients.

• Trolleys and Carts: For storing and transporting medical supplies, medications, and equipment efficiently.

• Vaccine Fridges: Designed to store vaccines at the appropriate temperatures to maintain their effectiveness.

Having the right mix of medical equipment and furniture ensures a safe, efficient, and professional environment for your new practice.

 

Thanks for reading

AMA Medical Products

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