Sandra Jo Hammer, Department of Health Services, Immunization Branch, State of California, 2151 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA, USA,
Suzi Bouveron, Information and Education Section, State of California, Department of Health Services, Immunization Branch, 3851 Rosecrans, San Diego, CA, USA, and
John A. Hetsko, Immunization Branch, California Department of Health Services, HHSA, (P511B), P.O. Box 85222, San Diego, CA, USA.
BACKGROUND:
The storage and proper handling of vaccines in the office or clinic setting was identifed in quality assurance (QA) visits as an area of significant non-compliance in our VFC program.
OBJECTIVE:
A systemic reevaluation of efforts supporting vaccine storage and handling.
Consitent direction and advice for vaccine providers regarding vaccine storage and handling.
METHOD:
Data was collected from VFC visits, interviews with field and VFC reps, phone call logs and immunizaton coordinator interviews.
RESULT:
Significant problems with the starge and handling of vaccine were identified. Specific interventions and materials were constructed to assist providers. A satellite conference was conducted to enhance QA methods of all evaluators.
CONCLUSION:
Increased emphasis on vaccine storage and handling have identified this as a priority program objective. Interventions, materials, and enhanced communication will be evaluated in VFC visits for effectiveness.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Identify two critical benchmarks for office evaluation of vaccine storage and handling.
Describe one intervention that can be utilised with VFC providers to eliminate vaccne storage and handling deficiencies.
Define teo program goals to enhance vaccine storage and handling in the offices and clinics
See more of Programmatic Track Workshop: Vaccine Management: Storage, Handling, and Accountability
See more of The 39th National Immunization Conference (NIC)
Recorded presentation