Safe and effective vaccines have dramatically reduced vaccine preventable disease morbidity, but improper handling and storage may reduce effectiveness. We utilized public health/primary care linkages in place as part of Boston's immunization registry (BIIS) to assess vaccine handling practices and provide related education.
In 1998, BPHC public health nurse used a standardized tool to evaluate vaccine management practices at 22 BIIS sites (18 health centers, 3 private practices, and 1 hospital clinic). Repeat assessments have been performed to date at 14/22 sites.
Common problems in 1998 included improper temperature or no daily temperature monitoring (68%), no VIS print date recorded in the medical record (64%), vaccine storage on refrigerator/freezer doors (27%), and expired vaccine in the refrigerator/freezer (23%). Follow-up data available to date indicate that all sites have resolved vaccine storage issues, but 36% still lack documentation of VIS print date in the medical record.
Inadequate vaccine handling and storage practices are common among providers. Education and outreach incorporated into ongoing immunization registry activities can effectively address many of these issues.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in the session will be able to (1) discuss the need for a vaccine management program and (2) identify the components of a vaccine management program
Keywords: Quality Assurance, Registry
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Boston Public Health Commission
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.