Cover photo: © UNICEF/UNI529195/Brom

The e-Learning Course on Vaccine and Cold Chain Management (or e-VaCC) is a self-paced learning initiative which highlights key principles of the vaccine and cold chain management for the programme managers and health staff in immunization programme.

 Usefulness of this course

  • Can be a source for refresher training on all or specific principles of vaccine and cold chain management.
  • Can help monitor the training status of health staff at all levels of supply chain.
  • The course material can be a ready reckoner and available for reference with the health staff at all levels of supply chain.

Course Objectives

Through this online training you will:

  •  Increase your knowledge and understanding of cold chain and vaccine management.
  • Learn how to spot and address problems in managing cold chain and vaccines properly.
  •  Improve your understanding and capability to handle day-to day challenges at work while managing cold chain equipment and vaccines.
  • Understand how vaccines should be managed from production to distribution.
  • Gain the skills to effectively manage the entire cold chain system including preventive maintenance.

Audience

This eLearning course has been developed keeping in mind the context of Lao PDR. However, globally accepted norms and practices have been referred for the development of modules. Therefore, the course is suitable for all the Immunization Professionals working at national/sub-national level involved in immunization programs across the world.

Lenght

It should take ±4 hours to complete this course. Each module should take 20-35 minutes to complete and must be completed in the order presented.

Methodology

This learning programme takes the learner through interactive information and knowledge about cold chain and vaccine management and some additional elements of immunization supply chain. This course is composed of an introduction, eight short self-paced modules, and final section testing the newly acquired knowledge. Each module introduces 'key messages' illustrated by interactive icons and short videos providing more information. The quiz/videos walk the leaner through the main concepts of each module, facilitating its understanding. The videos are available with or without audio, a transcript is provided for all. A final activity encourages you to reflect on the learning for each module and, finally, the course as a whole.

 Structure

This course is composed of 8 modules.

  • Module 1: Expanded programme on Immunization, cold chain, and vaccine arrival
  • Module 2: Cold chain equipment
  • Module 3: Temperature monitoring practices
  • Module 4: Maintenance and Supervision of Cold Chain Equipment
  • Problem based learning exercise (1)

  • Module 5: Vaccine Management
  • Module 6: Establishing a cold chain point
  • Module 7: Immunization waste management
  • Module 8: COVID-19 vaccines in Lao PDR
  • Problem based learning exercise (2)

 

The knowledge gained through these modules is assessed at two levels:

1.     Pre- and Post-assessment questions: Each module includes five pre-assessment questions which must be completed prior to the start of the module content. The same five questions are then asked again to test the knowledge of the participants after the completion of module content. The questions are multiple choice questions with either one or more-than-one correct answer. After completion of the pre- and post-assessment questions, the participants can see their scores. They can see both pre- and post-assessment scores and do a self-assessment of the knowledge gained. The participants will have the option to re-take the module if they score less or if they feel the need to revise or revisit the module content.

2.     Problem-based Learning Exercise: In addition to the pre- and post-assessment questions, there are two problem-based learning (PBL) exercises as part of the course. Each PBL exercise shows a fictional scenario that can be encountered as part of routine vaccine and cold chain maintenance. The participants then use the knowledge from the covered modules to answer five questions in each PBL exercise.

Contact details

Dheeraj Bhatt dbhatt@unicef.org

Boualiane Obmalay bobmalay@unicef.org