Field Epidemiology
Vaccine loss related to the expanded immunization program in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 2016-2017
Guan Jing, Ma Chao, Ma Huilai, Wang Hairong, Liu Shuqi
Published 2019-12-10
Cite as Chin J Epidemiol, 2019, 40(12): 1590-1594. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0254-6450.2019.12.016
Abstract
ObjectiveTo assess the vaccine loss related to the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region so as to improve the management of vaccines.
MethodsA total of 135 vaccination clinics were randomly selected, using a stratified cluster sampling method. In each clinic, data on vaccination was collected between 2016 and 2017, including the number of doses in routine immunization program and supplementary immunization activities (i.e., vaccine doses in vials that were opened for use) on polio vaccine, number of doses administered to children and the number of doses discarded (e.g., expired vaccine or broken vials that had not been opened for use), etc. Coefficient on vaccine loss was calculated with the following equation: vaccine loss coefficient=(number of vaccine doses used)/(number of vaccine doses administered). The vaccine discard rate appeared as: number of vaccine doses discarded)/number of vaccine doses used.
ResultsFor vaccines in single-dose vials [diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (DTaP) and trivalent oral polio virus vaccine (tOPV)], the loss coefficients appeared as 1.00 and 1.02, respectively. For vaccines in multi-dose vials [bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV), group A meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPV-A), diphtheria-tetanus combined vaccine (DT) and bacilli Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine], the loss coefficients were 1.58, 1.67, 1.68, and 3.02, respectively. The coefficients of EPI vaccine loss in urban, rural, and pastoral area vaccination clinics ranged between 1.00-2.84, 1.00-3.71, and 1.00-2.27, respectively. Loss coefficients ranged between 1.00-3.00, 1.00- 4.41, and 1.00-1.94, respectively, were seen in township clinics, village clinics, and decentralized vaccination clinics. Coefficients on larger vaccine loss were associated with longer intervals between clinic sessions and with fewer vaccinations administrations per day.
ConclusionsIn Xinjiang, coefficients on the loss of multi-dose EPI vaccines were high. The coefficients on loss were different from the levels of region and types of clinics, and time interval between clinic sessions. Programs on refining the management and distribution of EPI vaccines, to minimize the vaccine loss were recommended.
Key words:
Expanded Program on Immunization; Vaccine; Loss coefficient
Contributor Information
Guan Jing
Immunization Program Department, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Urumqi 830011, China
Ma Chao
Chinese Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Immunization Program, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
Ma Huilai
Chinese Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Immunization Program, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
Wang Hairong
Immunization Program Department, Fukang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changji 831500, China
Liu Shuqi
Immunization Program Department, Xinyuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yili 835800, China
