Vaccine cold chain interruption in a primary care center and economic evaluation

OBJECTIVES:

Cold chain control is one of the most important facts to ensure the effectiveness of vaccines links, which requires specific material and human resources for management. The principal objective is to evaluate the interruptions in cold chain of the last 6 years and the possible cost savings that would result in further improvements.

METHOD:

A retrospective and descriptive study based on a review of all cold chain interruptions during the last 6 years, at Valdefierro Primary Health Center.

RESULTS:

We had 5 interruptions, the maximum temperature reached was 23.1±3.4°C and the longest interruption lasted 25.2±20.7hours. 1611 vaccines were affected and 165 discarded. Total economic loss was 2.098,10 € and 33.611,64 € were savings. The electrical failure was the disruption cause in 5 cases.

CONCLUSIONS:

Equipment and staff are essential. The center did some corrective actions, such as minimizing refrigerator time control, minimum stock control, considering population changes, and the center has requested a electrical supply system.