Mayo patients reassured over vaccine cold chain protection during outages

The HSE West has outlined the measures taken to ensure the integrity of its vaccine cold chain during power outages and other disruptions.

The matter was raised at today's meeting of the authority by Councillor Dr. Evelyn Francis Parsons.

In a written reply, Ms. Ann Cosgrove, Integrated Health Area Manager, Galway Roscommon, said the supply and control of vaccines is managed by the National Immunisation Office in conjunction with service providers.

She elaborated: "The office has a dedicated inbox to manage queries from general practitioners and other vaccination sites regarding the use of vaccines following power outages.

"In the aftermath of Storm Éowyn, more than 200 vaccination sites contacted this inbox and received information regarding their vaccine stock.

"The National Immunisation Office contacted every site in the country which receives vaccines, both in advance of the storm and while power outages continued, with advice on maintenance of the cold chain during power outages.

"Sites were advised on vaccines which could still be used and on the return process for damaged stock.

"Many sites were able to rescue vaccines by working closely with the pharmacy team within the National Immunisation Office.

"Damaged stock can be collected when a site receives a vaccine delivery, which is a fortnightly service.

"As necessary, vaccination sites were accommodated with emergency vaccine deliveries to replace any stock damaged due to power outages.

"Additionally, the HSE has in place a comprehensive guideline for the maintenance of cold-chain in vaccine fridges and management of vaccine stock.

"The purpose of the guideline is to define the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the maintenance of the cold chain in vaccine fridges and vaccine stock management, at vaccine storage sites.

"Additionally, the guideline outline a detailed standard operating procedure to be followed for management of breaks, such as power outages, in cold chain as well as wastage disposal."