Aspects Of Imunisation

When it comes to immunisation it is important to understand the components that come with it such as management, handling, storage and transporting vaccines (the cold chain), legal aspects of immunisation, administration of vaccines and recognition and management of adverse events following immunisation. This overview will help put this into perspective.
Management, handling, storage and transporting vaccines (the cold chain)
Define the cold chain and identify the most important aspects of cold chain management in the work place including the management and reporting of a cold chain breach. Analyse the rationale for the national guidelines for vaccine storage.
Cold chain is defined as a system where storing and transporting vaccines are in a safe temperature range of +2°C to +8°C. This cold chain starts from the time the vaccine is manufactured and continues right through to the territory or state vaccine distribution centres until the vaccine is administered (National Vaccine Storage Guidelines – Strive for 5, 2013, page: 2).
Services that provider immunisation must:
• store the vaccines in a refrigerator that is purpose-built
• a staff member must be nominated to be responsible for vaccine management
• have a back-up staff member in case of their absence to take responsibility, policies, procedures and protocols are a requirement in each facility for vaccine management
• all staff that are involved in vaccine transport, storage and administration must be trained in vaccine management to guarantee the vaccines stay efficient and effective
• perform vaccine storage self-audits every 12 months
• temperature monitoring of vaccine refrigerators are to be done twice daily
• make sure there are plans in place for responses to power ...

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Complete full documentation of the event, including the time and dose or doses of adrenaline given and this must be reported promptly as this is an essential element of the Australian National Immunisation Program. These adverse events must be reported to NSW Public Health Units on 1300 066 055 (for connection to Public Health Unit) (The Australian Immunisation Handbook, 2013, pages: 94-97).

Conclusion
Understanding the importance of management, handling, storage and transporting vaccines (the cold chain) is to keep the vaccines from being damaged or even destroyed. Making sure what the legal aspects of immunisation is by having consent. Knowing the way vaccines are prepared and administered helps the health and well being of the population and the importance of why recognising and management of adverse events following immunisation should be reported promptly.