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Guide to Cold Chain System & Vaccine Distribution

Cold Chain Definition

Covid-19 pandemic throughout the world requires many countries to become more critical in minimizing and preventing its impact. One of them is to invent and distribute vaccines around the world. There are a lot of interesting facts about vaccines, from types to advantages. However, this article will only focus on the vaccine distribution called the cold chain system.

Before discussing further, let’s start with general knowledge about cold chain distribution. Generally, a cold chain system is a series of low-temperature distribution systems which combine the distribution system and temperature control. The storage is also designed to keep products from being damaged.

Some products that utilize cold chain distribution systems are:

– Vaccines & other medical products

– Wine

– Cold desserts (ice cream & gelato)

– Red meat, seafood & poultry

– Fresh fruit & vegetables

– Dairy and fermented products (yogurt, cheese, etc)

Vaccines Cold Chain Distribution

Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) website, the purpose of the vaccine’s “cold chain system” is to maintain product quality from time to time. The vaccine must be distributed and stored at certain temperatures from the time of manufacture until the point of administration by ensuring that vaccines are stored and transported within recommended temperatures ranges.

Cold chain distribution is developed to maintain vaccines’ quality. Here’s the model that has been arranged ideally by WHO.

The top row of arrows shows where data are collected, recorded, checked & analyzed, and how reporting information flows back up the chain.
The bottom row shows the flow of vaccines down to the health facilities.

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Cold Chain System Distribution Elements

Some elements required on cold chain distribution are affected by the vaccine recipient area. The difference in the scale of vaccine distribution coverage affects the type of vaccine distribution and storage equipment needed.

National (Primary Level)

According to the needs, primary level can use cold or freezer rooms, freezers, refrigerators, cold boxes, and in some cases, refrigerated trucks for transportation.

Province/District (Intermediate level)

Intermediate level generally needs cold & freezer rooms and/or freezers, refrigerators, and in some cases refrigerated trucks for transportation.

Health center/health facility (Peripheral level)

This level needs refrigerators with special water pack freezing/cooling compartments. It also needs cold boxes and vaccine carriers.

Things You Need to Consider in Cold Chain System

In addition to having special storage, several essential things that must be considered in cold chain distribution systems are:

Temperature Check

The standards manual must be placed in front of the cabinet/cooling room. Vaccines should’ve been stored at +2°C – +8°C. Check each tools’ temperature (morning day & last hour of work). Vaccines have been monitored using the 30 DTR (30 Days Temperature) method. The data will be recorded on a temperature chart.

Vaccine Placement

Keep the vaccine in the refrigerator to avoid the risk of damage (due to temperature). Separate vaccines from other drugs (if any).

Shake Test

This test is conducted to check for any damage to a sensitive vaccine type. Officers must carry out regular checks. One of the criteria that must’ve been considered is to pay attention to the sediment under the bottle. If the sedimentation was found, then the vaccine couldn’t be used.

Always inspect and pay attention to any special instruction while doing product marketing with a cold chain distribution system.

A good distribution system will support your marketing activities.

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