In a significant step towards vaccination efforts, United Airlines has commenced charter flights to transport Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to distribution centers. This development follows announcements from General Marcus Evans, the logistics head for Operation Warp Speed, regarding the initial rollout to select healthcare workers next month. The first shipment will include 6.4 million doses earmarked for various groups, including prisons and the Indian Health Service.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also stepped in, announcing its support for the first mass air transport of a vaccine. Due to the stringent storage requirements of Pfizer’s vaccine, which must remain below freezing, the FAA is collaborating with manufacturers and airlines to ensure safe transportation of dry ice, which is necessary for maintaining the required temperatures. Pfizer has proactively prepared for rapid distribution, anticipating approval from the FDA and other regulatory bodies.
The FAA established the ‘FAA COVID-19 Vaccine Air Transport Team’ in October, focusing on the safe and efficient delivery of vaccines that require continuous cold storage. Pfizer’s vaccine, which is based on mRNA technology, needs to be kept at nearly -100 degrees Fahrenheit. To facilitate this, Pfizer has engineered shipping containers roughly the size of a suitcase, designed to maintain the necessary temperatures for up to ten days. Each container can hold between 1,000 to 5,000 doses. The company plans to secure cargo space on around 20 planes daily from FedEx, UPS, and DHL International to ensure doses reach vaccination sites like major hospitals and rural clinics. Pfizer aims to deliver 100 million doses by the end of 2020 and 1.3 billion in 2021.
Additionally, the logistics of vaccine delivery emphasize the importance of “freezer farms,” a strategy commonly used by pharmaceutical companies. According to Pharmaceutical Commerce, maintaining a proper cold chain during storage and transport is vital. UPS is constructing facilities in Venlo, Netherlands, and Louisville, KY, equipped with supercooled freezers capable of housing large quantities of vaccine vials. DHL has also established a significant temperature-controlled facility in Indianapolis.
As for the initial doses, General Evans confirmed that states have received guidance from Operation Warp Speed to identify suitable distribution locations. Each state will recommend their top five sites for receiving and administering the vaccine.
FedEx’s strategy for vaccine delivery involves a fleet of 80,000 vehicles and 670 aircraft, with multiple temperature ranges for storage. However, the air transport of vaccines is not without challenges; a report from the International Air Transport Association indicated that 25 percent of vaccines can degrade during shipment due to improper handling.
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In summary, United Airlines is playing a crucial role in the logistics of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution, utilizing advanced cold storage solutions and extensive air transport networks to ensure timely delivery. The collaboration between various logistics companies and regulatory bodies is fundamental to the success of this unprecedented vaccination effort.