How Vaccines Are Stored & Distributed In A Cold Chain
Storing and transportation of vaccines is a challenge and a lot of factors come into play here. The storage of a vaccine depends on the temperature they need to be stored at to maintain their potency.
As we reach towards getting vaccinated for the novel coronavirus, conversations about how the distribution of the same are going to be done are taking place. In case, you were wondering about the same, here is a simplified way you can understand how the process works.
Storing and transportation of vaccines is a challenge and a lot of factors come into play here. The storage of a vaccine depends on the temperature they need to be stored at to maintain their potency.
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This changes from vaccine to vaccine, even for those which were developed using the same technology. This is due to the fact that different companies use different approaches in how the formulation of their particular product is going to be.
For example, the ideal storage temperature for the Pfizer vaccine is -60 degrees Celsius to -90 degrees Celsius. However, not just India but most countries do not have cold-chain capacities at this temperature.
A cold chain is a temperature-controlled supply chain. An unbroken cold chain is an uninterrupted series of storage and distribution activities which maintain a given temperature range.
On the other hand, the Moderna vaccine should be at -20 degrees Celsius but can be kept at +2 degrees Celsius to +8 degrees Celsius. India has the required cold chain to store this vaccine but it is limited.
AFP
In order to make things easier, SpiceXpress, the cargo division of Spicejet has tied up with global leaders in cold chain logistics to offer cargo shipment service with controlled ambient temperatures ranging from -40¡ãc to +25¡ãc.
The company will provide non-stop connectivity to major international destinations as well as real-time tracking with temperature & humidity sensors.
Infrastructure has been created to ensure minimum excursion of temperature.
SpiceJet has transported 85,000 tons of cargo containing medical supplies and other essentials since nation-wide lockdown began.
Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet said, ¡°Since the lockdown began, SpiceJet and its cargo arm, SpiceXpress, have worked relentlessly to ensure the transport of vital goods and medical supplies to all corners of India and the world."
He added, "We
have constantly innovated ¨C be it converting passenger planes into freighters or carrying
cargo on seat. We have been preparing for the humungous task of transporting
medicines, vaccines, blood samples and temperature-sensitive cargo by developing end to-end cold chain logistics solutions.¡±
He also said, ¡°We have now tied up with global leaders in cold chain solutions offering active and passive packaging with dedicated equipment to perform seamless cold chain operations and I am happy to share that today SpiceXpress has the capability to transport extremely sensitive drugs and vaccines in controlled temperatures ranging from -40¡ãc to +25¡ãc."
"SpiceXpress is ready for the enormous task of distributing sensitive goods both domestically and internationally including Covid-19 vaccines that require stringent transportation conditions.¡±
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According to a Times of India report, the Union health ministry has said that 29,000 cold chain points, 240 walk-in coolers, 70 walk-in freezers, 45,000 ice-lined refrigerators, 41,000 deep freezers and 300 solar refrigerators will be used for Covid-19 vaccine storage.
Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said guidelines for estimation of electrical and non-electrical cold chain equipment and their strengthening have been issued to states by the Centre.
"A total of 29,000 cold chain points, 240 walk-in coolers, 70 walk-in freezers, 45,000 ice-lined refrigerators, 41,000 deep freezers and 300 solar refrigerators will be used,¡± Bhushan said. "All these equipment have already been delivered to the states. Some other equipment are being supplied," he said.
