November 28, 2020
United Airlines has initiated charter flights to transport Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to key distribution centers. The speed of vaccine deployment is remarkable, with Gen. Mark Adams, logistics head for Operation Warp Speed, recently announcing that healthcare workers will begin receiving vaccinations next month. The initial batch comprises 6.4 million doses, which will also be allocated to prisons and the Indian Health Service.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stated that it is facilitating the first large-scale air shipment of a vaccine, thanks to the unprecedented pace of development through Operation Warp Speed. Given the vaccine’s requirement to be kept at frigid temperatures, the FAA is collaborating with manufacturers and airlines to ensure the safe transport of large quantities of dry ice.
Pfizer’s mRNA vaccine must be stored at nearly -100 degrees Fahrenheit. To maintain the necessary temperature during transit, Pfizer has created specialized shipping containers that can keep the vaccine cold for up to ten days, accommodating between 1,000 to 5,000 doses each. The company plans to secure cargo space on around 20 aircraft daily from FedEx, UPS, and DHL to ensure timely delivery to vaccination sites like major hospitals and rural clinics. Pfizer aims to distribute 100 million doses by the end of 2020 and 1.3 billion doses throughout 2021.
The logistics of vaccine distribution involve creating “freezer farms,” which are essential for maintaining the cold chain necessary for safe storage and shipment. UPS is establishing facilities in Venlo, Netherlands, and Louisville, Kentucky, featuring supercooled freezers capable of holding 48,000 vials of vaccine each. Additionally, DHL has recently opened a facility in Indianapolis, complete with temperature-controlled storage options.
As for the first vaccine doses, states have been provided with information from Operation Warp Speed to strategize their distribution plans. They will identify their top five capable sites for receiving and administering the vaccine.
FedEx’s strategy includes a robust network of 5,000 facilities, 80,000 vehicles, and 670 aircraft, with designated temperature ranges for storage. However, the air transport of vaccines has not always been flawless; a 2015 report indicated that 25% of vaccines are compromised during shipment due to improper handling.
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Summary:
United Airlines has started flying Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to distribution hubs, ensuring that healthcare workers receive their doses promptly. The operation involves strict temperature controls and advanced logistics to maintain the integrity of the vaccine during transport. As states prepare for distribution, FedEx and UPS also enhance their infrastructure to support the cold chain necessary for vaccine delivery.
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