Vaccine handling practices and determinants in immunization centers of Gambella, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Failure to adhere strictly to recommended specifications for vaccine handling and storage can result in reduced vaccine potency at the time of administration and compromise the overall quality of immunization services. This study aimed to assess vaccine handling practices and determinants among immunization centers in the Gambella Region, Southwest Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022. Data were collected from 92 immunization centers using validated questionnaires and on-site observations. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20, and variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Proper vaccine handling practices were observed in 45.7% of immunization centers (95% CI: 37.0%–57.2%). Awareness and use of vaccine handling guidelines were significantly associated with vaccine handling practices (AOR = 6.82, 95% CI: 1.99–23.35). Regular maintenance of temperature monitoring charts was associated with lower odds of improper vaccine handling practices (AOR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.03–0.36). Similarly, immunization centers with incomplete vaccine stock records had higher odds of improper vaccine handling practices compared with centers that maintained complete stock records (AOR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05–0.74). Vaccine handling practices in the Gambella Region were suboptimal and may compromise vaccine effectiveness. Strengthening adherence to vaccine handling guidelines, training, and monitoring systems is recommended to improve vaccine handling practices.