Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) Practice Exam

Zostavax should be stored at 5°F or colder. What temperature is this in degrees Celsius?

1. 0°C

2. -5°C

3. -10°C

4. -15°C

The correct answer is: -15°C

Zostavax, which is a shingles vaccine, must be stored at a temperature of 5°F or colder to maintain its effectiveness. To convert 5°F to degrees Celsius, one would use the conversion formula: \[ C = (F - 32) \times \frac{5}{9} \] Plugging in 5°F: \[ C = (5 - 32) \times \frac{5}{9} \] This simplifies to: \[ C = (-27) \times \frac{5}{9} \approx -15°C \] Thus, 5°F is approximately equal to -15°C. Hence, the correct choice indicates the proper cold storage temperature required for Zostavax vaccination. Understanding the importance of proper storage conditions is crucial for maintaining vaccine efficacy and ensuring patient safety.