Cold chain logistics.

This paper provides detailed information on the links in the cold chain; the chain begins with the manufacture of vaccine and ends with innoculation. To ensure their potency vaccines must be stored under specified conditions and for designated periods of time. This is because persons receiving weakened or damaged vaccines will not be protected against disease. Vaccines are shipped to Bangladesh by manufacturers in cold box containers and are rushed to the central cold stores. The next step is to bring the vaccines to the regional or district vaccine refrigerator in an ice chest. The final link in the cold chain is getting the vaccine from the refrigerator to the injection site. This paper further provides guidelines on selecting appropriate cold chain equipment defining the responsibilities of the officer in charge of vaccine and maintaining proper records. Finally it specifies the conditions under which vaccine should be destroyed. Estimates of the quantity of vaccine that ends up being destroyed range from 12-50%.