Storage of vaccines in different health centers and pharmacies at Karachi, Pakistan: The handling errors

Abstract

: The fundamental human desire is prevention from the infectious disease. Vaccine is the basic element to fulfill this human craving. The proper handling of vaccine can minimize the degradation. The main aim of this study is to find out the knowledge of respondents and storage condition and handling of marketed vaccines in different private clinics, hospitals and community pharmacies in Karachi, Pakistan. The present study revealed that ~77% have been allowed to visit their vaccine storage compartment. The cumulative knowledge of respondents regarding recommended temperature, shake test, thermal, freezing and photo degradation were 49.34%, 24.01%, 95.78%, 54.35% and 47.23% respectively. The major mishandling like the medicines, food and drinks and even laboratory specimen have been noticed 76.3%, 61.62% and 5.35% respectively. Moreover, water filled bottles on upper, lower and door shelves and ice packs or ice trays 3.43% and 14.18%, respectively, have been found in refrigerators and freezers, respectively. No expired vaccines have been found. The major consequence, in the study has been found to be mishandling by the absence of non– professional personnel. Either doctors or pharmacist (health associated professionals) as respondents were nearly all aware about the consequences of the mishandling of vaccines and have the knowledge about the recommended temperature, thermal, photo degradation, and freezing hazards of vaccines. The world-renowned immunization authorities have strongly recommended national/local immunization programs. On the basis of the present study, it is recommended to train the staff and prepare a national guideline for the storage and handling of vaccines, and forcefully implements the law to adopt the particular guideline