Alberta’s vaccine inventory is growing rapidly, both in cost and volume, making the need for paperless, effective vaccine tracking critical for reducing vaccine waste, cost-containment, and sustainability. In 2014, Alberta Health (AH) initiated a project in collaboration with Alberta Health Services (AHS) to develop an on-line vaccine inventory management system. The Vaccine Inventory Management System (VIMS) – Alberta Vaccine Inventory (AVI) System developed by Scientific Technologies Corporations (STC) is designed to provide timely data for efficient and effective vaccine inventory ordering, tracking and management thus reducing vaccine waste and shortages.
The benefits of the on-line ordering system include:
As of October 1, 2015, all immunizers ordering provincially funded vaccine through any AHS site must order the vaccine through the AVI system. Private supplies of vaccine for resale that do not fall under the provincial immunization program are not ordered or tracked through the AVI system.
The AVI web-based Vaccine Inventory Management System is supported by:
It is recommended that facilities running lower versions develop plans to migrate to newer releases.
To access the AVI system click on the following link:
https://vimsavi.alberta.ca
All providers must designate system users who will be responsible to order and receive vaccine (up to 5 staff members per site).
Community pharmacies and community physician clinics that require access to the Alberta Vaccine Inventory (AVI) system can register new facilities, as well as update existing facilities and users, through the Register button on the AVI login page.
AHS Providers, including Continuing Care, Public Health Centers, OH&S and FNHIB, can use the below forms:
Questions can be directed to the zone-specific contacts, below:
South Zone
Public Health Nursing Team
Phone: 403-388-6687
Fax 403-380-2893
E-mail: sz.ph.clinicalsupportsystems@ahs.ca
Calgary Zone
Phone: 403-955-6772
Email: vaccinedepot@ahs.ca
Central Zone
Phone: 403-356-6409
Email: wendy.malo@ahs.ca
Edmonton Zone
Phone: 780-342-8460
Email: edmontonvaccinedepot@ahs.ca
North Zone
Phone: 780-723-4421
Email: marlys.barrette@ahs.ca
Phone: 780-513-7568
Email: nicolea.rieger@ahs.ca
Training videos and Clinic/Facility Guides (Inventory Reconciliation and Placing Receiving Orders Guide) are available on the home page of the AVI system. It is expected that all users will view the applicable training video and user guides prior to placing/receiving their first order.