Abstract:
Background: Immunization of children is crucial in reducing infant and child mortality. A
number of elements need to be properly implemented for an effective vaccine management. This
includes cold chain management, vaccine management, logistics and waste management. Failing
to effectively implement these elements, can reduce the vaccines potency.
Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the vaccine storage and stock management
practices in health facilities within Vihiga County. More specifically, it determined the status of
the cold chain equipment; evaluated the stock management practices and assessed the knowledge
level of the vaccine cold chain handlers involved in vaccines supply chain management in Vihiga
County.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used. 103 public health facilities
were selected and one staff involved in handling vaccines from each facility participated in the
study. The study utilized survey questionnaires and observational checklist to collect quantitative
data
Results: The findings indicated that 61 (70.9%) of the health facilities had functional
refrigerators, the source of power being Electricity. 76(88.4%) had a vaccination micro plan, all
facilities (100.0%) use standard vaccine requisition forms for ordering and receiving vaccine and
physical stock counts are done in all facilities. Further, 49 (57.0%) had proper storage of
vaccines in the refrigerator. The immunizing healthcare workers knew how to condition icepacks
76 (88.4%); prevent vaccine freezing during transport 76 (88.4%) and knew the antigens that
were eligible for the four weeks’ open vial policy 66 (76.7%). However, many did not know all
the heat, cold and light sensitive vaccines 49(57.0%).
Conclusion: Majority of public health facilities storage conditions were in line with the WHO
guidelines, some nevertheless fall short of the recommended storage conditions required due to
sharing of refrigerators among the dispensaries. There is need for the County Government of
Vihiga to invest more in purchasing of the WHO recommended refrigerators.
