Vol. 6, Issue 3 (2017)

Author(s):
Dr. Sushil Kumar Sharma, Yatendra Sharma, Dr. Ekta Sharma and Saurabh Kumar

Abstract:
VVM is the only tool among all time temperature indicators that is available at any time in the process of distribution and at the time a vaccine is administered indicating whether the vaccine has been exposed to a combination of excessive temperature over time and whether it is likely to have been damaged. It clearly indicates to health workers whether a vaccine can be used. VVMs have also become an invaluable tool to increase coverage through increased access in hard-to-reach communities and in areas with very weak and no cold chain infrastructure. There is consensus that VVMs play an extremely valuable role in improving the quality of immunization efforts throughout the world. In recent years vaccine manufacturers raised some questions and concerns about issues impeding VVM implementation. UNICEF Supply Division facilitated further feedback on these issues through a specific letter on the general terms and conditions governing VVM procurement. In addition to regular contact with vaccine manufacturers, WHO, in coordination with UNICEF, began visiting vaccine manufacturers on a one-on-one basis to discuss VVM implementation issues in detail. The issues are categorized as follow: Validation issues, Cold Chain & Logistics issues, Regulatory issues, Programme issues, and Commercial issues etc.