Vaccine management practices among healthcare workers: a case of health facilities in Morogoro region, Tanzania

Abstract

Introduction: Effective vaccine management is essential in maintaining quality of vaccines and minimize wastages at service delivery points. This study aimed to assess vaccine management practices among healthcare workers at health facilities in Morogoro region, Tanzania. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study design conducted in Morogoro region. Data were collected using a researcher-administered structured questionnaire and additional data were abstracted from the Vaccines Information Management System (VIMS), and Fridge-tag®2. Descriptive and binary regression analysis was done using SPSS version 19 to determine significant predictors for vaccine wastage during storage at health facilities. Results: Findings indicated that among 77 facilities 65 (84.4%) had functional refrigerators (SE of 0.365), only twenty-six (33.8%) had an alternative source of energy for the refrigerator at SE of 0.480. Majority 70 (90.9%) of vaccinators knew the WHO recommended storage temperatures at health facilities and 47 (85.5%) were able to read the maximum storage temperatures. The regression analysis showed a statistically significant difference between observed vaccine wastage and training of providers, correctly reading of high temperature alarm records on the Fridge-tag® 2 and availability of back up source of power for vaccine refrigerators.