Opinion Article, J Vet Sci Med Diagn Vol: 12 Issue: 4

Maintenance of Vaccine Efficacy by Proper Vaccine Storage and Handling

Garelli Vera^*

¹Department of Animal Vaccination, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

*Corresponding Author: Garelli Vera,
Department of Animal Vaccination, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
E-mail: garelli@vet.hr

Received date: 26 Jun, 2023, Manuscript No. JVSMD-23-111857;

Editor assigned date: 30 Jun, 2023, Pre QC No. JVSMD-23-111857 (PQ);

Reviewed date: 14 Jul, 2023, QC No. JVSMD-23-111857;

Revised date: 21 Jul, 2023, Manuscript No: JVSMD-23-111857 (R);

Published date: 28 Jul, 2023, DOI: 10.35248/2325-9590.23.12.1000060

Citation: Vera G (2023) Maintenance of Vaccine Efficacy by Proper Vaccine Storage and Handling. J Vet Sci Med Diagn 12:4.

Description

Vaccines are powerful tools that play an important role in preventing and controlling infectious diseases in both human and animal populations. However, the efficacy of vaccines is highly dependent on proper storage and handling throughout their journey from production to administration. Maintaining the cold chain and adhering to recommended storage conditions are paramount to ensure that vaccines retain their potency and effectiveness. Proper vaccine storage and handling in maintaining vaccine efficacy is necessary to uphold the integrity of vaccination programs. Vaccine efficacy refers to the ability of a vaccine to provide the desired protective immune response when administered. Efficacy is influenced by factors such as the vaccine's composition, manufacturing processes, and the patient's immune response. However, even the most potent vaccine can lose its efficacy if not stored and handled correctly. This is where the concept of the "cold chain" becomes important. The cold chain is a system that ensures vaccines are stored and transported within a specific temperature range, usually between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F), to maintain their stability and potency. Deviations from this temperature range, whether through exposure to heat or freezing temperatures, can change the vaccine's structure and its ability to generate an immune response upon administration.

Consequences of Improper Vaccine Storage and Handling includes exposure of vaccines to temperatures outside the recommended range can cause proteins to denature and lose their biological activity. This results in a reduced immune response upon vaccination, rendering the vaccine less effective or even ineffective. Improperly stored vaccines that have lost their efficacy are essentially wasted resources. The investment in vaccine production, distribution, and administration is squandered if the vaccine does not confer the intended protection. Administering vaccines that have been loss its efficacy due to improper storage can create a false sense of protection among individuals. This can lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases, posing risks to public health. Vaccine-preventable diseases can lead to increased healthcare costs, treatment expenses, and loss of productivity, all of which could have been avoided with effective vaccination.

Maintaining the appropriate temperature range from manufacturer to the user is important. This involves using temperature-controlled storage units, refrigerators, and cold boxes. Regular monitoring of storage temperatures and maintaining accurate temperature logs are essential for identifying deviations and taking corrective actions promptly. Proper organization of vaccines within storage units prevents temperature variations caused by opening and closing the storage unit. Some vaccines are sensitive to freezing temperatures. Ensuring that vaccines are not exposed to freezing conditions is crucial for their integrity. Cold chain integrity should be maintained during transportation, considering factors such as temperature fluctuations, duration, and handling conditions.

Healthcare workers, distributors, and administrators must be educated about the importance of proper vaccine storage and handling practices. Regular audits and inspections of vaccine storage facilities help identify issues and implement corrective measures. Advanced technology allows real-time monitoring of temperature conditions, enabling quick response to deviations. Using backup power sources, such as generators or battery backups can prevent temperature fluctuations during power outages. Proper storage and handling not only protect the investments made in vaccine production and distribution but also safeguard the health and well-being of individuals and communities around the world.