Graphic-output temperature data loggers for monitoring vaccine refrigeration: implications for pertussis

Effectiveness of the online-eLearning program KeepCoool at improving the vaccine cold chain in general practices

BACKGROUND

Protecting vaccines from freeze damage is a poorly addressed problem. We describe the effectiveness of the eLearning KeepCoool on cold chain maintenance in general practices.

METHODS

For this intervention study, temperatures of vaccine refrigerators were logged at one-minute intervals. Personnel from practices with cold chain breaches was offered the eLearning. The primary outcome was the intervention's effectiveness to achieve temperatures in the target range (2 to 8°C) in the sixth week (follow-up) compared to the first (baseline). Using continuous temperature data, a generalized additive model for location, scale and shape was estimated.

RESULTS

The practice response rate was 38% (64 of 168). At baseline, 73% of the practices and 68% of the refrigerators (51 of 75) showed cold chain breaches. 47% of the practices (n = 22 with 24 refrigerators) participated in the eLearning (55 physicians and practice assistants). At follow-up, 17% of those refrigerators were in the target range continuously, 38% reached targets 95% of the time while always >0°C, and temperatures ≤0°C decreased by 63%. Based on 2 million temperature data, the average Euclidian distance based on regression showed a significant improvement (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The eLearning KeepCoool improved the practices´ vaccine cold chain. It is freely available at https://keepcoool.ukbonn.de.

Development of (Inhalable) Dry Powder Formulations of AS01B-Containing Vaccines Using Thin-Film Freeze-Drying

AS01_B is a liposomal formulation of two immunostimulants namely 3-O-desacyl-4́-monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) and QS-21. The liposomal formulation of AS01_B reduces the endotoxicity of MPL and the lytic activity of QS-21. The AS01_B-adjuvanted Shingrix vaccine is marketed in a two-vial presentation, with the liquid AS01_B liposomes in one vial and the antigen as a dry powder in another vial. In the present study, we tested the feasibility of applying thin-film freeze-drying (TFFD) to engineer dry powders of the AS01_B liposomal adjuvant alone or vaccines containing AS01_B as an adjuvant. Initially, we showed that after the AS01_B liposomal adjuvant was subjected to TFFD using sucrose as a stabilizer at 4% w/v, the particle size distribution of AS01_B liposomes reconstituted from the dry powder was identical to the liquid adjuvant before drying. We then showed using ovalbumin (OVA) as a model antigen adjuvanted with AS01_B (AS01_B/OVA) that subjecting the AS01_B/OVA vaccine to TFFD and subsequent reconstitution did not negatively affect the AS01_B liposome particle size, nor the immunogenicity of the vaccine. Importantly, the thin-film freeze-dried AS01_B/OVA vaccine, unlike its liquid counterpart, was not sensitive to repeated freezing-and-thawing. The developed AS01_B/OVA dry powder also showed the desirable aerosol properties (i.e., fine particle fraction of 66.3 ± 4.9% and mass median aerodynamic diameter of 2.4 ± 0.1 µm) for potential pulmonary administration. Finally, the feasibility of using TFFD to prepare dry powders of AS01_B-adjuvanted vaccines was further confirmed using AS01_B-adjuvanted Fluzone Quadrivalent and Shingrix, which contains AS01_B. It is concluded that the TFFD technology can enable the formulation of AS01_B-adjuvanted vaccines as freezing-insensitive, inhalable dry powders in a single-vial presentation.

Explorative Supercooling Technology for Prevention of Freeze Damages in Vaccines

Most freeze-sensitive vaccines are stored between 2 °C and 8 °C upon manufacturing and until they are eventually administered in intermediate vaccine stores and health facilities. This so-called “cold chain” of vaccine distribution is strictly regulated at these specific temperatures to avoid freeze damage. Liquid formulations of particular vaccines (e.g., aluminum-adsorbed tetanus toxoid (TT)) will irreversibly lose their immunogenicity once frozen. Using an oscillating magnetic field (OMF), supercooling can inhibit ice crystal nucleation effectively; water is susceptible to influence by a strong magnetic field, allowing normal water dynamics even in subzero freezing conditions. This recently developed technology—composed of a custom-designed electromagnet unit producing an optimal field strength (50 mT) at a specific frequency (1 Hz)—was successfully used to inhibit the formation of ice crystals in aluminum adjuvant TT vaccines, therefore preventing any visible damage in the vaccines’ microscopic structure. Despite being subject to temperatures far below their freezing point (up to −14 °C) for up to seven days, the TT vaccines showed no freeze damage on physical appearances. Results were further validated using shake tests and light microscopy. As storage and freeze-protection become more critical during times of increased vaccination efforts—particularly against COVID-19—this supercooling technology can be a promising solution to distribution problems by removing concern for temperature abuse or shock-induced freezing.

Improving knowledge on vaccine storage management in general practices: Learning effectiveness of an online-based program

BACKGROUND

Adequate vaccine storage is a prerequisite for assuring effective vaccinations yet storage conditions in practices are frequently inadequate. The online learning program Keep Cool aims at improving knowledge on international best practices. This study evaluates the program's learning effectiveness focusing on key indicators for knowledge on vaccine storage, such as temperature target range (2 to 8 °C) and documentation requirements.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from within a university teaching practice network. Knowledge was measured with an online-based questionnaire (11 correct items = optimal vaccine storage knowledge) which was completed before and after the online program.

RESULTS

60 physicians and practice assistants from 25 practices participated. The mean knowledge score was 5.6 correct answers (standard deviation [SD] 1.9), which increased to 9.8 (SD 1.2) after program participation (p < 0.001). The item with the highest net change addressed the need for twice-daily documentation of temperatures (+76.7%). Knowledge of the lower and upper temperature targets improved from 58% respectively 63% to 100% each. Optimal vaccine storage knowledge after participation (38% of participants) was associated neither with age, gender, occupational group nor practice type.

CONCLUSION

The new online education program showed a high learning effectiveness regarding key indicators for the quality of vaccine storage management. Clinical Trial Registry Number: DRKS00006561.

Temperature integrity and exposure of vaccines to suboptimal temperatures in cold chain devices at different levels in three states of India

OBJECTIVE

To document the temperature integrity at the vaccine storage devices at various levels in three states of India.

METHODS

A total of 213 health facilities including 196 facilities (district and sub-district levels) from 27 select districts and 17 division or state level vaccine stores in three states were included. At these facilities, temperature in 223 vaccine storage devices was recorded for at least 7 consecutive days using electronic temperature datalogger.

RESULTS

During the observation period, overall the vaccines were exposed to temperature < 0 °C for 14.8% of the storage time with 8.6, 6.7 and 18% at state/division, district and sub-district vaccine stores, respectively. The vaccines were also exposed to temperature > 8 °C for 6.6% of the storage time including 1.3, 13 and 5.1% at state/division, district and sub-district vaccine stores, respectively. Continuous episodes of temperature deviation for 45 min or longer to < 0 °C and > 8 °C was observed in 7.2 and 6.4% of the observation period, respectively. These temperature deviations were not captured by the routine temperature monitoring practice.

CONCLUSION

The vaccines were exposed to freezing temperature for a considerable period at all level stores, which was more than the exposure to higher temperature. To ensure vaccine potency and immunogenicity, stringent temperature integrity maintenance is needed at all levels.

Analysis of vaccine losses by temperature changes in a Health Region from Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Introduction: Immunobiologicals are of great importance for the prevention and eradication of diseases. However, the lack of maintenance of the cold chain generates several problems related to losses of these substances, burdening an important amount of public resources. Objective: To analyze vaccine losses in a Health Region (Região Ampliada de Saúde Oeste) of Minas Gerais State in Brazil. Methods: This is a descriptive study, based on secondary data obtained through forms used by the regional health agency (Superintendência Regional de Saúde, SRS), to register losses of immunobiologicals due to temperature changes. Forms from February 2016 through January 2018 were analyzed. The data was organized and validated by double typing. Results: Vaccine losses were caused by lack of electrical energy (40.83%), followed by equipment failure (36.67%), and professional error (10%). As a consequence, 17,229 bottles of vaccines (65.78%) were discarded, corresponding to 111,145 doses. The financial loss was R$ 604,340.31. Conclusion: Losses of vaccines due to temperature changes were relevant in the studied region, damaging the budget for the local health network. Therefore, it is suggested that measures to minimize these losses should be adopted.

Evaluation of temperature stability among different types and grades of vaccine storage units: Data from continuous temperature monitoring devices

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the ability of different types of vaccine storage units to maintain appropriate temperatures for the storage of vaccines and to characterize deviations from recommended temperatures.

DATA SOURCES

Continuous temperature monitoring devices, or digital data loggers, from vaccine providers who participated in a continuous temperature monitoring pilot project.

STUDY DESIGN

We computed descriptive statistics on the percentage of runtime with an out-of-range temperature, or excursion, for different storage unit types (freezers and refrigerators) and for different storage unit grades (household-grade combination, household-grade stand alone, and purpose-built or pharmaceutical grade). We developed frequency histograms for the percentage of storage unit runtime outside of the normal range. We plotted the duration and temperature extrema for identified excursions. Analyses were stratified by storage unit type and grade.

RESULTS

Household-grade combination units underperformed relative to household-grade stand-alone and purpose-built units. Among refrigerators, household-grade combination units operated in the normal temperature range an average of 98.9% of their observed runtime, which was lower than 99.4% (p value = 0.038) for household-grade stand-alone and 99.9% (p value < 0.001) for purpose-built units. Among freezers, household-grade combination units operated in the normal temperature range an average of 95.0% of their observed runtime, which was lower than 99.3% (p value < 0.001) for household-grade stand-alone units and 99.7% (p value < 0.001) for purpose-built units.

CONCLUSION

These findings, in particular the underperformance of household-grade combination units relative to household-grade stand-alone and purpose-built units, support current CDC recommendations to avoid the use of household-grade combination storage units when possible.

Vaccine cold chain in general practices: A prospective study in 75 refrigerators (Keep Cool study)

INTRODUCTION

Protecting vaccines from freeze damage is considered one of the most poorly addressed problems in vaccine management. Freezing may impair the potency especially of adsorbed vaccines. The Keep Cool study aims at ensuring optimal vaccine storage conditions in general practices. This publication analyses the baseline data using standardised temperature recordings.

METHODS

This prospective study in German general practices analysed 7-day temperature recordings of refrigerators used for vaccine storage. Temperatures were recorded continuously using a standardised data logger with an accuracy of ±0.4 °C. The prevalence rates of refrigerators within the target range (2 to 8 °C) and of those reaching critically low temperatures (≤0 °C) were calculated. In addition, the cumulative time and the duration of single episodes beyond the target range were computed. To assess for structural deficits, the prevalence of refrigerators with a cycling of >5 °C was determined. Generalised linear mixed models were applied to analyse correlating factors between the dependent variables 'within temperature range' and 'reaching critically low temperatures' with practice characteristics.

RESULTS

The study included 64 of 168 practices (38.1% response rate) with 75 refrigerators. The prevalence of refrigerators with temperatures within the target range was 32.0% (n = 24), and 14.7% (n = 11) reached critically low temperatures <0 °C. 44.0% of refrigerators (n = 33) showed temperatures >8 °C and 28.0% (n = 21) <2 °C. Of the 168 hours recorded per refrigerator, the average cumulative time >8 °C was 49 hours, <2 °C 75 hours and ≤0 °C 74 hours. The longest consecutive period of critically low temperatures was 168 hours (mean: 39±53). The prevalence of refrigerators with a cycling range of >5 °C was 29.3%.

CONCLUSION

Given the importance of immunisation, the results of our study call for action, as two-thirds of the refrigerators exhibited cold chain breaches and 15% reached critically low temperatures threatening vaccine potency.

Demonstration of the Use of Remote Temperature Monitoring Devices in Vaccine Refrigerators in Haiti

After the 2010 earthquake, Haiti committed to introducing 4 new antigens into its routine immunization schedule, which required improving its cold chain (ie, temperature-controlled supply chain) and increasing vaccine storage capacity by installing new refrigerators. We tested the feasibility of using remote temperature monitoring devices (RTMDs) in Haiti in a sample of vaccine refrigerators fueled by solar panels, propane gas, or electricity. We analyzed data from 16 RTMDs monitoring 24 refrigerators in 15 sites from March through August 2014. Although 5 of the 16 RTMDs exhibited intermittent data gaps, we identified typical temperature patterns consistent with refrigerator door opening and closing, propane depletion, thermostat insufficiency, and overstocking. Actual start-up, annual maintenance, and annual electricity costs for using RTMDs were $686, $179, and $9 per refrigerator, respectively. In Haiti, RTMD use was feasible. RTMDs could be prioritized for use with existing refrigerators with high volumes of vaccines and new refrigerators to certify their functionality before use. Vaccine vial monitors could provide additional useful information about cumulative heat exposure and possible vaccine denaturation.

Is freezing in the vaccine cold chain an ongoing issue? A literature review

Vaccine exposure to temperatures below recommended ranges in the cold chain may decrease vaccine potency of freeze-sensitive vaccines leading to a loss of vaccine investments and potentially places children at risk of contracting vaccine preventable illnesses. This literature review is an update to one previously published in 2007 (Matthias et al., 2007), analyzing the prevalence of vaccine exposure to temperatures below recommendations throughout various segments of the cold chain. Overall, 45 studies included in this review assess temperature monitoring, of which 29 specifically assess 'too cold' temperatures. The storage segments alone were evaluated in 41 articles, 15 articles examined the transport segment and 4 studied outreach sessions. The sample size of the studies varied, ranging from one to 103 shipments and from three to 440 storage units. Among reviewed articles, the percentage of vaccine exposure to temperatures below recommended ranges during storage was 33% in wealthier countries and 37.1% in lower income countries. Vaccine exposure to temperatures below recommended ranges occurred during shipments in 38% of studies from higher income countries and 19.3% in lower income countries. This review highlights continuing issues of vaccine exposure to temperatures below recommended ranges during various segments of the cold chain. Studies monitoring the number of events vaccines are exposed to 'too cold' temperatures as well as the duration of these events are needed. Many reviewed studies emphasize the lack of knowledge of health workers regarding freeze damage of vaccines and how this has an effect on temperature monitoring. It is important to address this issue by educating vaccinators and cold chain staff to improve temperature maintenance and supply chain management, which will facilitate the distribution of potent vaccines to children.

Immunizations challenge healthcare personnel and affects immunization rates

PURPOSE

This study measured 1. medical office immunization rates and 2. health care personnel competency in managing vaccine practices before and after evidence-based immunization education was provided.

METHOD

This descriptive study compared 32 family medicine and pediatric offices and 178 medical assistants, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians in knowledge-based testing pre-education, post-education, and 12-months post-education. Immunization rates were assessed before and 18-months post-education.

RESULTS

Immunization rates increased 10.3% - 18months post-education; knowledge increased 7.8% - 12months post-education. Family medicine offices, licensed practical nurses, and medical assistants showed significant knowledge deficits before and 12-months post-education. All demographic groups scored less in storage/handling 12-months post-education.

CONCLUSION

This study is one of the first studies to identify competency challenges in effective immunization delivery among medical assistants, licensed practical nurses, and family medicine offices. Formal and continuous education in immunization administration and storage/handling is recommended among these select groups.

[Assessment of quality of vaccine storage and conservation in primary health care centers]

This is an evaluative study of the quality of vaccine storage and conservation in primary health care centers (PHC) in the mid-west region of the state of Minas Gerais. Dimensions, structures and processes were the criteria used to measure the level of quality in 261 vaccine storage and conservation units in over 55 municipalities in the area. Quality levels were defined by means of a scoring system with different weighted scores attributed to indicators for each dimension being rated. Categories for quality levels were then defined as: "adequate," "inadequate" and "critical." Pearson's chi-square test was used to verify the correlation between quality level and population size and adherence to the Unified Health System. It was observed that vaccine storage and conservation quality levels were inadequate in 59.3% and critical in 26.9% of these facilities. Small municipalities that are registered for Full Primary Health Care Management featured the worst vaccine storage facilities. Vaccine conservation supervision, which spans a series of activities present in nursing praxis, indicates the need to train human resources, monitor and assess work processes and conduct further studies in the field.

Fragilidades da conservação de vacina nas Unidades de Atenção Primária à Saúde

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar por meio da abordagem qualitativa a conservação de vacinas nas Unidades de Atenção Primária à saúde. Método: pesquisa avaliativa, de abordagem qualitativa. Foram realizadas 30 entrevistas com enfermeiros, técnicos ou auxiliares de enfermagem e referência técnica em imunização, responsáveis pelas 12 salas de vacina que obtiveram 100% dos critérios estruturais avaliados. Os depoimentos dos sujeitos foram gravados, organizados e analisados por meio da Análise de Conteúdo, na modalidade temática. Resultados: a avaliação apontou um desconhecimento dos enfermeiros e técnicos ou auxiliares de enfermagem sobre os efeitos da baixa temperatura sobre as vacinas. Entraves também foram encontrados em relação à supervisão do enfermeiro nas atividades em sala de vacina e em relação ao conhecimento necessário dos trabalhadores para o cuidado com a sua conservação. Conclusão: a conservação de vacina não está adequada e pode comprometer a qualidade do imunobiológico dispensado à população.

Annual World Vaccine Congress 2014: a re-evaluation of the value proposition for increasing vaccine thermostability

The 14th Annual World Vaccine Congress was held in Washington DC, March 24-26, 2014 (http://www.terrapinn.com/vaccine2014). More than 400 experts from different regions participated in this scientific event for vaccine professionals from industry, academia, non-profit organizations and government to discuss challenges and successes from all the major vaccine stakeholders. In more than 70 presentations, round tables, and plenary discussions major topics like emerging and re-emerging infectious disease, vaccine production, and innovative technologies were debated. While most contributions focused on specific questions in vaccine research development, some like the one by a representative of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) reported about supply chain, logistics topics, and challenges in vaccine implementation.

Vaccination management and vaccination errors: a representative online-survey among primary care physicians

BACKGROUND

Effective immunizations require a thorough, multi-step process, yet few studies comprehensively addressed issues around vaccination management.

OBJECTIVES

To assess variations in vaccination management and vaccination errors in primary care.

METHODS

A cross sectional, web-based questionnaire survey was performed among 1157 primary physicians from North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany: a representative 10% random sample of general practitioners (n = 946) and all teaching physicians from the University Duisburg-Essen (n = 211). Four quality aspects with three items each were included: patient-related quality (patient information, patient consent, strategies to increase immunization rates), vaccine-related quality (practice vaccine spectrum, vaccine pre-selection, vaccination documentation), personnel-related quality (recommendation of vaccinations, vaccine application, personnel qualification) and storage-related quality (storage device, temperature log, vaccine storage control). For each of the four quality aspects, "good quality" was reached if all three criteria per quality aspect were fulfilled. Good vaccination management was defined as fulfilling all twelve items. Additionally, physicians' experiences with errors and nearby-errors in vaccination management were obtained.

RESULTS

More than 20% of the physicians participated in the survey. Good vaccination management was reached by 19% of the practices. Patient-related quality was good in 69% of the practices, vaccine-related quality in 73%, personnel-related quality in 59% and storage-related quality in 41% of the practices. No predictors for error reporting and good vaccination management were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified good results for vaccine- and patient-related quality but need to improve issues that revolve around vaccine storage.

Freeze-thaw stress of Alhydrogel ® alone is sufficient to reduce the immunogenicity of a recombinant hepatitis B vaccine containing native antigen

Preventing losses in vaccine potency due to accidental freezing has recently become a topic of interest for improving vaccines. All vaccines with aluminum-containing adjuvants are susceptible to such potency losses. Recent studies have described excipients that protect the antigen from freeze-induced inactivation, prevent adjuvant agglomeration and retain potency. Although these strategies have demonstrated success, they do not provide a mechanistic understanding of freeze-thaw (FT) induced potency losses. In the current study, we investigated how adjuvant frozen in the absence of antigen affects vaccine immunogenicity and whether preventing damage to the freeze-sensitive recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (rHBsAg) was sufficient for maintaining vaccine potency. The final vaccine formulation or Alhydrogel(®) alone was subjected to three FT-cycles. The vaccines were characterized for antigen adsorption, rHBsAg tertiary structure, particle size and charge, adjuvant elemental content and in-vivo potency. Particle agglomeration of either vaccine particles or adjuvant was observed following FT-stress. In vivo studies demonstrated no statistical differences in IgG responses between vaccines with FT-stressed adjuvant and no adjuvant. Adsorption of rHBsAg was achieved; regardless of adjuvant treatment, suggesting that the similar responses were not due to soluble antigen in the frozen adjuvant-containing formulations. All vaccines with adjuvant, including the non-frozen controls, yielded similar, blue-shifted fluorescence emission spectra. Immune response differences could not be traced to differences in the tertiary structure of the antigen in the formulations. Zeta potential measurements and elemental content analyses suggest that FT-stress resulted in a significant chemical alteration of the adjuvant surface. This data provides evidence that protecting a freeze-labile antigen from subzero exposure is insufficient to maintain vaccine potency. Future studies should focus on adjuvant protection. To our knowledge, this is the first study to systematically investigate how FT-stress to adjuvant alone affects immunogenicity. It provides definitive evidence that this damage is sufficient to reduce vaccine potency.

Vaccine refrigeration: thinking outside of the box

This commentary reviews recent changes in Centers for Disease Control (CDC) vaccine storage guidelines that were developed in response to an investigative report by the Office of the Inspector General. The use of temperature data loggers with probes residing in glycol vials is advised along with storing vaccines in pharmaceutical refrigerators. These refrigerators provide good thermal distribution but can warm to 8 °C in less than one hour after the power is discontinued. Consequently, electric grid instability influences appropriate refrigerator selection and the need for power back-up. System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) values quantify this instability and can be used to formulate region-specific guidelines. A novel aftermarket refrigerator regulator with a battery back-up power supply and microprocessor control system is also described.

Monitoring of health care personnel employee and occupational health immunization program practices in the United States

Recent studies have identified concerns with various elements of health care personnel immunization programs, including the handling and management of the vaccine. The purpose of this study was to assess monitoring processes that support evaluation of the care of vaccines in health care settings. An 11-question survey instrument was developed for use in scripted telephone surveys. State health departments in all 50 states in the United States and the District of Columbia were the target audience for the surveys. Data from a total of 47 states were obtained and analyzed. No states reported an existing monitoring process for evaluation of health care personnel immunization programs in their states. Our assessment indicates that vaccine evaluation processes for health care facilities are rare to nonexistent in the United States. Identifying existing practice gaps and resultant opportunities for improvements may be an important safety initiative that protects patients and health care personnel.

Supervisão de enfermagem em sala de vacina: a percepção do enfermeiro

O objetivo deste estudo qualitativo foi compreender a percepção do enfermeiro sobre a supervisão das atividades realizadas em sala de vacina de unidades de atenção primária à saúde. As salas selecionadas fizeram parte de estudo preliminar, com abordagem quantitativa, que analisou as melhores salas de vacina da Macrorregião Oeste de Minas Gerais, das quais 12 salas atenderam a 100% dos critérios estruturais. Foram entrevistados os enfermeiros responsáveis por essas salas e os dados obtidos submetidos à análise de conteúdo na modalidade temática. Os resultados demonstraram ausência de um processo de supervisão pelos enfermeiros, o que pode ter ocorrido pela quantidade de ações assumidas por eles. O enfermeiro necessita de atitude proativa com ações educativas e acompanhamento mais efetivo das atividades em sala de vacina, evitando a ocorrência de falhas nos procedimentos que podem acarretar reflexo na qualidade dos imunobiológicos, disponibilizados para a população.