title: Vaccine cold-chain status in the Elim health ward of Gazankulu.
abstract: The vaccine cold-chain is a fundamental component of any immunisation programme. This study used chemical-based temperature indicators to monitor the cold-chain constantly in the Elim Hospital health ward of Gazankulu. It was found that the cold-chain was adequately maintained at the hospital, but that as vaccine travelled towards the periphery severe breaks in the cold-chain occurred. Eighteen per cent of vaccines at the Elim Hospital store and up to 90% at the periphery were potentially exposed to temperatures high enough and for a sufficient length of time to have affected their potency. More emphasis needs to be placed on maintaining the cold-chain if we are to reach to EPI's goal of immunisation for all children by the year 1990.
mesh_terms: D003080:Cold Temperature; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital; D011309:Preservation, Biological / Q000379:methods*; D014612:Vaccines / Q000592:standards*
chemical_list: D014612:Vaccines