Journal article

Cold-Chain Adaptability During Introduction of Inactivated Polio Vaccine in Bangladesh, 2015

Background: Introduction of inactivated polio vaccine creates

challenges in maintaining the cold chain for vaccine storage and

distribution. Methods. We evaluated the cold chain in 23 health

facilities and 36 outreach vaccination sessions in 8 districts and

cities of Bangladesh, using purposive sampling during

August–October 2015. We interviewed immunization and cold-chain

staff, assessed equipment, and recorded temperatures during vaccine

storage and transportation. Results: All health facilities had

functioning refrigerators, and 96% had freezers. Temperature

monitors were observed in all refrigerators and freezers but in

only 14 of 66 vaccine transporters (21%). Recorders detected

temperatures >8°C for >60 minutes in 5 of 23 refrigerators

(22%), 3 of 6 cold boxes (50%) transporting vaccines from national

to subnational depots, and 8 of 48 vaccine carriers (17%) used in

outreach vaccination sites. Temperatures <2°C were detected in 4

of 19 cold boxes (21%) transporting vaccine from subnational depots

to health facilities and 14 of 48 vaccine carriers (29%).

Conclusions: Bangladesh has substantial cold-chain storage and

transportation capacity after inactivated polio vaccine

introduction, but temperature fluctuations during vaccine transport

could cause vaccine potency loss that could go undetected.

Bangladesh and other countries should strive to ensure consistent

and sufficient cold-chain storage and monitor the cold chain during

vaccine transportation at all levels.

Languages

  • English

Publication year

2017

Journal

The Journal of Infectious Diseases

Volume

Suppl. 1

Type

Journal article

Categories

  • Supply chain & logistics

Diseases

  • Polio

Countries

  • Bangladesh

Tags

  • Cold box / vaccine carrier
  • Coverage monitoring
  • Distribution system
  • IPV
  • Refrigerator / freezer
  • Temperature monitoring

WHO Regions

  • South-East Asia Region