Factors related to the development of vaccine inventory management for emergency response, Department of Disease Control

Abstract

This descriptive research aimed to study factors related to the development of vaccine inventory management for emergency response, which was undertaken by the Department of Disease Control. This research also aimed to support vaccine security policy, which is specified in Thailand’s national plan to improve the security and excellence in disease control 2017-2021. This study was a qualitative research. Eight subjects from the Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 2, 5, 7 and 12 were selected as representative samples of this study. Data were collected by using Vaccine Management Evaluation Form, in-depth interview, and learning test. The results revealed that in terms of vaccine general management, all four of the Offices of Disease Prevention and Control had clearly defined responsible staff by using a job description document. Regarding knowledge of vaccine cold chain management, it was found that all staff’s knowledge increased after training. In terms of network service supervision plan, it was found that the Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 7 had a perfect plan in place with clearly defined targets.        In terms of vaccine cold chain management, cold room and freezer of all four of the Offices of Disease Prevention and Control were maintained in the temperatures range +2 to +8 and -15 to -25 degrees Celsius according to the WHO standards. Regarding vaccine cold chain equipment and vehicle, all four of the Offices of Disease Prevention and Control had sufficient cold chain equipment and vehicle for vaccine storage and distribution to the rural areas, except for data loggers for documenting temperatures during vaccine transportation and power generators. Regarding maintenance plan, the Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 7 had in place infrastructure, equipment and generator maintenance plans with supporting documentation. All four of the Offices of Disease Prevention and Control were found to be using a First Expired, First Out system to control vaccine stock management. Regarding vaccine emergency response plan, the Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 7 and 12 were found to have in place vaccine cold chain breakdown plan, business continuity plan, and table-top exercise plan. It should also be noted that the Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 7 had implemented all of the above mentioned plans. Regarding vaccine information management system, it was found that all four of the Offices of Disease Prevention and Control had no real-time data and information of the vaccine management system. It was concluded that capability of responsible staff, annual budget appropriations, clear policy, continued support from the leadership of the organization were the important factors contributing to the development of the Department of Disease Control’s vaccine inventory management for emergency response.