The Cool Chain Association (CCA) has launched a Covid-19 distribution change management matrix to support airports in preparing the logistics around distributing potential Covid-19 vaccines.
The matrix assesses adherence to temperature requirements, packaging, forecast and quantity, and timeframe across different stages in a vaccine’s journey through an airport. It also incorporates sections on facilities, warehouses and ramp operations.
The CCA will share the matrix with members for them to complete. The information will then be brought together “to help the supply chain to focus on potential pinch points, training needs, safety and security, as well as supplier and risk management and quality”.
CCA’s secretary general Nicola Caristo (and SkyCell airline partner manager, pictured above left) said: “CCA members can share vital information which, once consolidated, will provide a useful resource as the industry prepares in the best way we can for the distribution of the vaccines.
“We are not aiming to suddenly find an end-to-end solution, but focusing on airports, where we know there are potential bottlenecks and where we can use the vast knowledge in our network to help establish workable guidelines.”
The scheme was unveiled during a recent CCA workshop, where it was also noted that both shippers and legislators had to play their part.
“It will be essential to have the buy-in from customs and other legislators,” said CCA board member Fabrizio Iacobacci (and Bcube Air Cargo head of pharma business development, pictured above right).
“But we should also look at encouraging shippers to be involved and start investing in signing up for known shipper status wherever possible to help speed up the process.”
Speaking at the workshop, Global Deliver Strategy Team MSD Ruud van der Geer said the pharma industry was working to be as prepared as possible.
“The biggest challenge is that we have to develop a network, but there are still so many unknowns, from the required shipping temperature to where it will be manufactured and delivered, and the overall manufacturing capacity,” he said.
“We have to build something scalable and sustainable, sustainable because we have other products in our portfolio, and we have to make sure this doesn’t impact access to existing medication.
“We need a standardised solution, there is no benefit to everyone coming up with their own supply chain solution, that means we need to stay connected and keep talking.”
Airline Cargo Management’s Winter edition will feature an in-depth report on how the industry is preparing to distribute potential Covid-19 vaccines. The issue is due to be published on 2 December.
