POST 00528E : VACCINE WASTAGE

POST 00528E : VACCINE WASTAGE 5 December 2002 _________________________________________________________________________________ Ümit Kartoglu (mailto:[log in to unmask]) from WHO would appreciate comments on a document that he has written on Vaccine Wastage and submits here for review. This document can be downloaded from Technet21 website at the following link: http://www.technet21.org/framesDocuments.html then click on "Draft Documents for Review Please note that the file is in PDF format. All comments should be sent directly to Ümit at his @ddress not later than January 7, 2003. He thanks you sincerely in advance. _________________________________________________________________________________ The World Health Organization reports over 50% vaccine wastage around the world. Despite the availability of many tools to reduce vaccine wastage, countries still score high wastage rates. Increasing EPI vaccine costs during the last couple of years in combination with tightening vaccine security, as well as the introduction of new and under-used vaccines through the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI), are motivating countries to take a more serious look at vaccine wastage. GAVI has also requested countries to bring down vaccine wastage rates: "The country would aim for a maximum wastage rates of 25% set for the first year with a plan to gradually reduce it to 15% by the third year. For vaccine in single or two-dose vials the maximum wastage allowance is 5%. No maximum limits have been set for yellow fever vaccine in multi-dose vials." This document reviews factors affecting vaccine wastage and their relation to each other. It also discusses available tools to address the wastage issue with the aim of providing assistance to programme managers for establishing a system for monitoring vaccine wastage as a programme quality indicator. Vaccine wastage is expected in all programmes; the question is whether any of the wastage is preventable and how to prevent it. Wastage in unopened vials is usually due to cold chain and stock management problems and can be minimized. Wastage in opened vials cannot be eliminated, but can be reduced with introduction of the multi-dose vial policy, effective use of vaccine vial monitors (VVM) and improved immunization strategies and practices. Vaccine wastage is an important factor in calculating vaccine needs. If incorrect figures are used, the country may face serious vaccine shortages or be unable to consume received quantities leading to increased wastage through expiry. Therefore, it is crucial that all immunization points using the vaccine and stores handling the vaccines monitor its use on a continuous basis. This monitoring would provide good guidance to programme for taking actions whenever necessary. Ümit Kartoglu, V&B, WHO ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ _________________ To UNSUBSCRIBE, send a message to : mailto:[log in to unmask] Leave the subject area BLANK In the message body, write unsubscribe TECHNET21E ______________________________________________________________________________ The World Health Organization and UNICEF support TechNet21. The TechNet21 e-Forum is a communication/information tool for generation of ideas on how to improve immunization services. It is moderated by Claude Letarte and is hosted in cooperation with the Centre de coopération internationale en santé et développement, Québec, Canada (http://www.ccisd.org) ______________________________________________________________________________