EPI (extended program of immunization

Question 1

What damages live attenuated vaccines? Give examples of live attenuated vaccines
How can we prevent their damage?

Answer 1

BCG and measles/MMR, damaged especially by heat and sunlight
BCG and measles vaccines are put in DARK AMPOULES

Question 2

What damages toxoid/ killed vaccines? Give examples of each.

Answer 2

DPT/ HBV/Hiv- penta
Damaged by freezing.

Question 3

Which vaccine is very highly damaged by heat?

Answer 3

OPV

Question 4

How can we check the potency of the vaccine?

Answer 4

Vaccine vial monitor
Shake Test

Question 5

What indicators do we use to evaluate EPI?

Answer 5

1. Vaccination Coverage rate ( number of people who take the vaccine in a certain year and locality/ number of people targeted to take the vaccine in that same year and locality
2. Program Drop- out rate ( proportion of children who do not complete a vaccination course after receiving an initial dose)
3. Vaccine Wastage Rate (It is the proportion of vaccine doses supplied but not administered)

Question 6

What does it mean if a program dropout rate is less than 10%?

Answer 6

Since it is < 10%, It implies that children who receive initial DPT dose are “highly likely ” to receive all 3 required doses, indicating a high level of health-care “Performance” & good “Utilization” by the served population.

Question 7

What are the 4 main EPI vaccines?

Answer 7

BCG, DTP, measles/MMR, OPV
Add hepatitis B to the list in Egypt

Question 8

What type of vaccine is the diphtheria vaccine and how many doses are required?

Answer 8

Toxoid, 5 doses

Question 9

Why is a vaccine for pertussis important in children?

Answer 9

Mothers an important source of infection – their immunity will be boosted so less likely to infect baby

• Mother’s antibodies cross the placenta and may protect the newborn until first dose of vaccine at 2 months