ASSESSMENT OF THE OPERATIONAL STANDARDS OF IMMUNIZATION WITH VACCINES 4 UPPER SOUTHERN PROVINCES (SONGKHLA, PHATTHALUNG, TRANG, SATUN), HEALTH ZONE 12, SONGKHLA PROVINCE, FISCAL YEAR 2023

Abstract

This cross-sectional exploratory study aimed to assess standards and examine practices in the implementation of immunization programs in low vaccine coverage areas in four upper southern provinces of Thailand (Songkhla, Phatthalung, Trang, and Satun). Data were collected from 24 healthcare personnel through observations and in-depth interviews between February 1 and March 30, 2023. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used in the data analysis. The findings indicated that personnel responsible for the immunization program who had never received training on immunization standards or had not undergone training refreshers in more than five years were associated with challenges in vaccine management, cold chain quality, vaccine service delivery, and data recording in the immunization files, which did not meet standards and could lead to adverse events post-vaccination. The Disease Control Office provided guidance on implementing standard procedures to the provincial administrative organization, advocating for it to be the main agency in developing the capacity of vaccine program managers in transferred service units. Provincial hospitals were identified as the main entities responsible for general management. The evaluation of immunization program standards at the local level requires the development of an evaluation team comprising both public health officials and provincial administrative organizations. It is recommended that personnel development plans and monitoring be conducted at least once a year to ensure service units comply with proper standards. Team integration and joint planning are key success factors for the effective implementation of the immunization program.