IMMUNIZATION SAFETY AMONG IMMUNIZATION CENTERS IN EL-OBIEID, SUDAN

*Dr. Mohammed Ismail Humaida, Dr. Ahmed Subahi Ahmed, Sahar Saif Eldeen and Abeer Hamad

ABSTRACT

Background: Immunization safety is greatly dependent upon vaccine safety, safe injections and waste disposal. Vaccines are sensitive to heat and freezing so must be kept at the correct temperature from the time they are manufactured until they are used in order to preserve their quality. Objective: This study aimed to determine immunization safety among immunization centers in El-Obeid, Sudan. Methodology: Facility based descriptive cross-sectional study in El Obeid was done, the entire target population was covered (34), data were collected with questionnaires and observation checklists, and analyzed by SPSS. Results: In this study, 3% of immunization centers were storing the vaccine with drugs and chemicals. In 73.5% of immunization centers, there is no space between vaccines in refrigerator during vaccine arranagement. About 52.9% of health workers, in immunization, did not aware about multi-dose vial policy. All health workers (100%) were use new syrings for any child. About 11.7% of health workers exposed previously to needle stick. 35.3% of health centers fill the safety box above ¾ of the box size, and about 91.2% of immunization centers storing injection waste separately. Conclusion: Immunization safety in E-Obeid immunization centers was poor, it demand intervention through excessive training and health education of health workers.

Keywords: Immunization Safety, El-Obeid, Sudan.