The controlled temperature chain (CTC) is a specific short-term approach to vaccine management that allows vaccines to be kept at temperatures above the long-term +2° to +8° C storage condition for a limited period of time under monitored and controlled conditions appropriate to the stability of the antigen. Current WHO programme conditions for CTC include a single exposure just prior to administration, tolerating ambient temperatures of at least 40°C for a limited duration of at least three days, with these temperature and time conditions included in the approved label.
This page provides a list of resources related to CTC, as well as materials developed by the CTC Working Group. The aim is to raise CTC awareness among multi-sector stakeholders and industry; engage more partners through the promotion of a common vision and strategy around CTC; encourage a constructive dialogue with manufacturers on the need for more vaccine innovations and their willingness to consider CTC labelling for new or existing vaccines; increase country uptake of CTC implementation during immunization campaigns to increase vaccine coverage and generate more data on CTC. Resources are orgaised by category:
Publications
Journal articles
Advocacy
| Title | Author | Year | Type | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Controlled temperature chain: Strategic Roadmap for Priority Vaccines 2017-2020 | World Health Organization (WHO) | 2018 | Guidance | English |
| CTC - Delivering vaccines more easily | World Health Organization (WHO) | 2015 | Guidance | English, French |
| CTC FAQs | Controlled Temperature Chain Team | 2023 | Presentation | English |
| Infographique CTC | World Health Organization (WHO) | 2015 | Poster/infographic | French |
| Questions fréquentes CTC | World Health Organization (WHO) | 2015 | Guidance | French |
| What is a controlled temperature chain? (CTC) - Infographic | World Health Organization (WHO) | 2015 | Poster/infographic | English |