KEYWORDS:
VFC, Provider Education

BACKGROUND:
As of 12/31/00, nearly 400 providers were enrolled in the Philadelphia Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, with 342 sites self-certified as having adequate storage for varicella vaccine. VFC-AFIX visits to 23 provider sites in November and December 200 had identified 11 sites (48%) which were improperly storing varicella vaccine in dormitory-style refrigerators. The VFC Program conducted site inspections of all sites certified for varicella vaccine between January-March 2002.

OBJECTIVE(S):
To assess vaccine storage facilities in VFC provider sites, with particular attention to storage of varicella vaccine.

METHOD(S):
342 sites were identified for inspection, and a standardized vaccine storage inspection form was developed. 6 Disease Surveillance Investigators (DSIs) conducted site visits; most visits were unscheduled. Vaccine storage units were inspected, and substandard storage units identified and documented. Current vaccine storage temperatures were recorded, and temperature logs reviewed. The DSIs also inventoried the vaccine, and identified short-dated, expired and spoiled vaccine. DSIs provided education on proper vaccine storage and handling.

RESULT(S):
Of 342 sites targeted for inspection, 25 sites (7%) were closed and/or no longer seeing eligible children. Of the 317 remaining sites, 232 sites (73%) had refrigerators and freezers appropriate for vaccine storage. 85 sites (27%) were using dormitory-style refrigerators for storage of vaccine, including varicella vaccine.
DSIs retrieved significant amounts of vaccine that had expired or been spoiled through improper storage, with a total value of $246,000.

CONCLUSIONS(S):

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
To describe the findings from vaccine storage inspections in VFC provider sites and to identify common problems leading to vaccine wastage and spoilage. To review the limitations of reliance on VFC provider self-reports of vaccine storage conditions.