Maintain cold chain, efficacy of vaccines

BHUBANESWAR: Efficacy of different vaccines given to infants and children under the routine immunisation programme or for other diseases is under question as there is no mechanism to ensure maintenance of cold chain to preserve them from production till the time they are administered.A variety of vaccines are produced by pharmaceutical companies and routed through various channels. But there is no way to detect if a proper cold chain, which is prerequisite for protecting the vaccine, is maintained, paediatricians stated at the East Zone Conference of the Indian Academy of Paediatricians organised by the Institute of Medical Sciences and Sum Hospital here.The paediatricians pointed out that vaccines were sensitive to heat and must be preserved in proper cold temperatures to ensure their efficacy. Vaccines as BCG, measles, rubella and mumps were not only sensitive to heat but also light. These vaccines were thus supplied in dark brown glass vials to restrict exposure to light.Ignorance on the importance of cold chain maintenance among the vaccine sellers and supply personnel, non-availability of equipment to maintain cold chain and frequent interruptions in power supply were the major reasons, why vaccines lost potency and efficacy, organising secretary Dr Arabinda Mohanty said at a seminar on the issue. Stating that there were various types of monitoring devises for measuring, controlling and recording storage temperatures of vaccines, he said refrigerators, freezers and cold boxes had adjustable thermostat to control and monitor correct temperatures.A cold chain monitor card approved by the WHO is always packed with each consignment of vaccines.While stressing on sensitisation and education of all involved in the transfer channels from production to use, the pediatricians called for strong monitoring mechanism by the Government to ensure that vaccines not maintained at prescribed temperature were not circulated and administered to children. Vice-Chancellor of Siksha O Anusandhan University Prof RP Mohanty and Dean, IMS, Dr DK Ray spoke.