In 2020, the entire world’s priority mission was to stop COVID-19 in its tracks. Sadly, by late December, more than 77 million people had become infected and 1.7 million had died, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
But thankfully, the new year has begun with much hope for brighter days ahead with the launch of both Pfizer’s and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines, as well as the potential for a release of more than 250 additional vaccines across the globe.
Today, the virus-fighting mission has shifted to a new, different, and just as critical priority – “quick, efficient, and safe distribution” of tens of millions of doses of those life-saving vaccines and medical supplies to support the massive immunization of people on every continent on the planet.
Global Logistics Companies Stopping the Spread of Coronavirus
Global logistics companies such as the Prime Group thus are now at “ground zero” in stopping the spread of the virus, by ensuring vaccines move door-to-door while maintaining their efficacy—from manufacturer to airport to the last mile.
Delivering coronavirus vaccines is an astounding task. According to Larry St. Onge, President of Life Sciences & Healthcare for DHL, the need for a stable cold-supply chain for both vaccines and medical suppliers is clearly the key. (Note: PrimeAir serves as the General Handling Agent for DHL Aviation in Ecuador.)
Pointing out that more than 10 billion doses will need to be delivered to all corners of the world within two years, he further estimates the need for 15 million deliveries in cooling boxes, 200,000 movements by pallet shippers, and 15,000 flights across the various supply chain setups.
Closer to home, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) projects that 30 million COVID-19 vaccine doses will be made available for distribution within the U.S. this month and another 50 million doses in February.
Prime Group’s vital role is to provide the best supply-chain transport and logistics possible to ensure vaccine doses intended for recipients across the globe get to the right places in a safe and timely manner. Ultimately, as a global community, the goal is to turn vaccines into vaccinations—and failure is not an option.
Cold Supply Chain at the Forefront of Vaccine Logistics
The cold chain is at the forefront of vaccine logistics. The coronavirus vaccines have strict temperature requirements that must be maintained throughout the supply chain. An important part of adhering to the requirements is ample freezer capacity and monitoring systems that ensure product temperatures don’t get too high or too low. These are service lines where Prime Group companies excel.
All across the globe, we are now handling multi-faceted, highly complex logistics and carefully mapping out the transportation of vaccine vial shipments from manufacturing sites to land-based transportation, onto airline and cargo flights, and into temperature-controlled holding facilities. From there, the vaccines await pick-up by delivery services on the local level for distribution to hospitals and clinics.
We know that no mission other than the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines is more important. For every day that goes by without the maximum number of people being vaccinated, more lives are at risk. Our shipping and logistics company are very grateful that we’re able to utilize our expertise in shipment and handling of cold-pack, perishable goods to help save lives and stop the spread of the coronavirus.
A Global Team Effort – Working Together
We are also so appreciative of our industry partners, especially the major air cargo carriers whom we directly support such as Atlas Air, Emirates SkyCargo, DHL Aviation, and even Eastern Airlines.
The critical mission is clear. Vaccines cannot work if they don’t get into the hands of the right people—and quickly. We’re very proud to be doing our part.
