Track: Humanitarian Supply Chain Management for COVID-19

Abstract

Several months since the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, the Philippines still has a low immunization coverage. It is of high importance that the Cold Chain Systems (CCSs) where these vaccines are stored meet the required conditions to ensure the efficacy of each dose of vaccines. This study aims to evaluate and assess the knowledge level of Vaccine Cold Chain Handlers (VCCHs), implemented guidelines on COVID-19 vaccine handling, and the COVID-19 vaccine management in the National Capital Region (NCR). Furthermore, the study aims to evaluate and establish the relationship between the years in service and the educational attainment of VCCHs of the cities. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on the World Health Organization-Effective Vaccine Management (WHO-EVM) tool and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The respondents were the VCCHs, responsible for storing and maintaining the vaccine at the lowest distribution points in the subject Local Government Units (LGUs). The data collected were analyzed and interpreted using Spearman’s Rank Correlation and Fisher’s Exact Test. The results showed that the independent variables, such as years in service, educational attainment, knowledge level of VCCHs, and implemented guidelines in COVID-19 vaccine handling have no significant relationship with the COVID-19 vaccine management and cold chain maintenance practice. However, the results could be influenced by the fact the study has a small sample size

Keywords

Cold Chain Systems, Vaccine Handling, Vaccine Management, Vaccine Cold Chain Handlers, Lowest Distribution Points