Ensuring Vaccine Temperature Integrity: Monitoring from Storage to Last-Mile Delivery

Acknowledging the significant impact of temperature deviations on vaccine efficacy, this study examines the prevalence of exposure to non-recommended temperatures, particularly focusing on freeze-sensitive vaccines. This study aims to identify critical points of temperature breaches during transportation from storage to last-mile delivery. In this cross-sectional study, the temperature integrity of vaccines has been examined during transportation across three states in India (Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan), utilizing data loggers to track and record temperatures in real time. By analyzing instances of exposure to temperatures beyond the recommended 2–8 °C range, the study aims to identify the critical junctures within the vaccine supply chain susceptible to temperature excursions. The methodology entailed a systematic data logger analysis at each stage of transportation up to the last mile. In this study, descriptive statistics with the analysis of variance test has been applied to investigate the significance of variations in the duration of temperature breaches. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive examination of vaccine temperature integrity across critical transportation phases in India, utilizing real-time data-logging technology. Based on the results, the study provides recommendations using the ABCD strategic framework, encompassing awareness, best practices, continuous monitoring, and data management and documentation. This framework will be instrumental in addressing the identified challenges and significantly improving the temperature monitoring flexibility. The findings will inform targeted interventions, optimizing the cold chain to enhance the preservation of vaccine potency and identifying flexible solutions for maintaining the required temperatures from storage to transportation.