Practice of Controlled Temperature Chain (CTC) Technique during a Mass Vaccination Campaign in Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Background: MenAfriVac TM is the first of the World Health Organization (WHO)’s pre-qualified vaccines to be allowed to mass vaccination campaign at a temperature below or equal to 40°C during 4 days. This new vaccination practice has already been used in some African countries. This article described the opinion and use of this new technique by actors on the field, during a mass vaccination campaign in Côte d’Ivoire, in December 2014. Methods: We conducted a crosssectional study on the practice of CTC by actors on the field and their perception on the new practice, during a mass vaccination campaign in 2 of 25 health districts in Côte d’Ivoire, in December 2014. Findings: As results, in Séguéla 98.25% of respondents expressed a favourable opinion of CTC, citing advantages such as vaccine carriers requiring no ice packs (29.2%), financial benefit (12.28%) and lighter vaccine carriers (5.26%). In Bouna, respondents gave the same advantages in, respectively, 34%, 2% and 8% of cases. The peak of the total of vials used for immunization sessions reached 376 vials at day one, then dropped to 235 vials at day three and 220 vials at day six. Discussion: Vaccinators found some benefits related to CTC practice, but on the field, they were cautious in using CTC technique.