OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to analyze Rotavirus (ROTA) and Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine wastage in vaccination rooms of Juiz de Fora city, MG, Brazil, to identify factors related to this wastage.
METHODS:
The study had a cross-sectional design, based on spreadsheets reporting monthly vaccine use in a year; and based on questionnaires applied to 45 urban vaccination rooms. A linear regression model was developed, endeavoring to predict vaccine loss rates using variables related to vaccination room infrastructure/operational conditions.
RESULTS:
Statistical significance was detected for ROTA loss variables: vaccine knowledge, health unit type and number of personnel in the vaccination room (R2=0.33; p = 0.001). It was also found that 1,254 ROTA and 33,762 MMR doses were wasted during the period. Concerning ROTA, 331 (26.4%) were technical losses, and 923 (73.6%) miscellaneous losses; for the MMR vaccine, these numbers were 23,281 (68.96%) for technical losses and 10,481 (31.04%) for miscellaneous losses.
CONCLUSION:
The percentage losses in the period were significant, which should induce the production of health protocols to facilitate the correction of weaknesses in the studied vaccine cold chain.
KEYWORDS:
Rotavirus vaccine; MMR vaccine; Vaccine wastage