Determinants of BCG Vaccine Wastage: An Effort towards Vaccine Security

Abstract

Gonibeedu Manjunath Venkatesh, Hanumanahalli Lakkannagowda Janardhan 1Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hassan. 2Reproductive and Child Health Officer, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Hassan District. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2454.325X.201909 Introduction: This study attempts to calculate vaccine wastage rates in a district setting and to identify the factors influencing wastage at facilities, which could then lead to appropriate guidance and training to reduce vaccine wastage Methodology: A Cross sectional study was carried out among the Health Centres of Hassan District. We selected 1 district hospital, 3 taluk Hospitals ,6 Community Health Centres and 32 Primary Health Centres across the district. Centres were visited and data was collected through record review and interview from the staff on a predesigned proforma. Result: BCG vaccine is administered in all the centres of the District Health System as per the national immunization schedule. At the district level, 40 thousand doses each of 0.1ml of BCG vaccine were procured and 20 thousand beneficiaries vaccinated. At the District hospitals where deliveries were 20 to 40 per day yearly 20000 doses of 0.1ml were availed, 9-10 doses were used in a vial resulting in 50% wastage. In the Taluka Hospitals where deliveries were 5 to 10 per day, 5-6 doses were used in a vial resulting in 75 % wastage. In the Community Health centres and PHC where less than 1-2 deliveries happen a day 1 to 2 doses were used results in wastage of 90 95%. Conclusion: The wastage was high because the dose procured, supplied and used were large (0.1ml). In all the centres usage of 0.05ml could increase the safety associated with vaccine and reduce the wastage.