Gaps in vaccine management practices during vaccination outreach sessions in rural settings in southwestern Uganda

Background Outreach efforts were developed to bolster people’s access to and use of immunization services in underserved populations. However, there have been multiple outbreaks of diseases like measles in Uganda, prompting policy makers and stakeholders to ask many unanswered questions. This research study was created to uncover the discrepancies between vaccine management practices at immunization outreach sessions in rural South Western Uganda compared with existing standards. Methods The observational qualitative study, was done in 16 public health facilities across four districts of Uganda. Data were collected using in-depth interviews, facility record reviews, and observation. We assessed the vaccine management procedures before immunization session, transportation used, set up at the outreach site, management practices during the outreach session and packing of vaccines - according to World Health Organization immunization practice recommendations. The data were transcribed, coded and categories were formed and triangulated. Themes were generated based on a socio-ecologic framework to gain a better understanding of healthcare provider practices during immunization sessions. Results Fifty-one individuals were interviewed; four Assistant District Health Officers, four cold chain technicians, 15 focal persons for the Expanded Program on Immunization, and 28 health care providers. The respondents’ mean age was 35, 43 (84.3%) were females and 24 (47.1%) had a diploma. 11 (69%) outreaches were conducted at a distance of 5-12 km from the health facility and 7 (44%) were conducted in a building. For 8 outreaches (50%) health facility staff did not check the vaccine vial monitor status before the outreach while 12(75%) did not keep the vaccine hard lid cover closed during the sessions. The main areas of concern were insufficient vaccine integrity monitoring, improper handling and storage practices, deficient documentation, and inadequate vaccine transportation. These were similar across immunization outreach sites regardless of vaccine preventable disease outbreaks occurrences. The majority of these gaps were located at the individual level but were enabled by policy/environmental factors. Conclusions There are poor vaccine management procedures during outreach sessions contrary to established guidelines. Specific tactics to tackle knowledge deficiencies, health worker attitude, and fewer equipment shortages could improve compliance to guidelines.