PartagerIndian cold chain for vaccines
India has one of the largest Universal Immunization Programs (UIPs) in the world in terms of quantities of vaccines used, number of beneficiaries (27 million infants and 30 million pregnant women), geographical spread and manpower involved and spends over Rs. 2000 crores annually for immunization.
India has one of the largest Universal Immunization Programs (UIPs) in the world in terms of quantities of vaccines used, number of beneficiaries (27 million infants and 30 million pregnant women), geographical spread and manpower involved and spends over Rs. 2000 crores annually for immunization.
Most vaccines are required to be stored between 2 and 8°C; a moderately stable vaccine that has a shelf life of 2 years when stored at 5°C loses its potency in 45 days if stored at 25°C. It is therefore imperative to ensure that during its journey from the plant to the primary health centre and sub-centres, the vaccine is maintained within the required temperature range.
In India, where the quality and availability of power is unpredictable, even in large cities, this task needs innovative solutions. Digital temperature controllers and sometimes data loggers are used for quality assurance. Since the inception of the UIP, a wide network of cold chain stores has been created consisting in Government Medical Supply Depots (GMSDs), state, regional and divisional vaccine storage points. The vaccines typically arrive at one of the country’s 4 GMSDs where they are stocked for a maximum of 3 months.
Most vaccines are required to be stored between 2 and 8°C; a moderately stable vaccine that has a shelf life of 2 years when stored at 5°C loses its potency in 45 days if stored at 25°C. It is therefore imperative to ensure that during its journey from the plant to the primary health centre and sub-centres, the vaccine is maintained within the required temperature range.
In India, where the quality and availability of power is unpredictable, even in large cities, this task needs innovative solutions. Digital temperature controllers and sometimes data loggers are used for quality assurance. Since the inception of the UIP, a wide network of cold chain stores has been created consisting in Government Medical Supply Depots (GMSDs), state, regional and divisional vaccine storage points. The vaccines typically arrive at one of the country’s 4 GMSDs where they are stocked for a maximum of 3 months.
The Indian cold chain for vaccines comprises a network of vaccine stores: walk-in-freezers, for bulk storage of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) at around -20°C; walk-in-coolers, for bulk storage of vaccines such as diphtheria and tetanus at +2 to +8°C; deep freezers, ice-lined refrigerators, solar refrigerators, cold boxes, vaccine carriers and icepacks, from the national level to states. In addition, refrigerated trucks and vaccine vans are vital elements.