Logistics chain readies itself to deliver Covid-19 vaccines

The French logistics chain union has declared that it is ready and willing to provide a solution to the choice of transport mode for the Covid-19 vaccine. The general delegate of the French cold logistics chain (USNEF, UNTF and Transfrigoroute France), Valérie Lasserre, has argued that the cold logistics chain is involved in the decision process and is active in the implementation of the logistics of any future anti-covid vaccines. Lasserre also revealed that the mode of transport will vary depending on the type of vaccine that is being delivered. The profession is believes itself to be perfectly able to manage the logistics of health products requiring transport at a temperature between 2 and 8 ° C down to -20 ° C in order to guarantee the stability of the vaccines and also its shelf-life. The industry also claims to be not unduly concerned about the specific requirements for the Pfizer vaccine, which requires storage at temperatures between -70 ° C and -80 ° C. The technology for storing and moving a product at this temperature level already exists and is, in fact, used for the preservation of sperm samples. The union did voice certain concerns however, noting that the logistics required for this type of delivery are very specific and that appropriate trucks may not exist. If, however, the vaccine must be transported, it will be carried out using cryogenically compatible containers. The union also warned that the industry will need time to take into account the volume of vaccines to be delivered before adopting a suitable schedule for those deliveries.