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IATA issues guidance for global vaccine distribution


The complex challenge of transporting huge volumes of temperature-sensitive COVID-19 vaccine shipments will require early planning. IATA gives some advice


The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released Guidance for Vaccine and Pharmaceutical Logistics and Distribution – www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo – to ensure that the air cargo industry is ready to support the large-scale handling, transport and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine. The guidance document, released on


16 November, provides recommendations for governments and the logistics supply chain in preparation for the upcoming challenge. Reflecting the complexity of the challenge, the guidance was produced with the support of a broad range of partners, including, inter alia, ICAO, FIATA, WCO and WTO. Accompanying the guidance, IATA established


a joint information-sharing forum for stakeholders. Key challenges addressed in the guidance document include the availability of


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temperature-controlled storage facilities, as well as defining roles and responsibilities of parties involved in the distribution of vaccines to assist safe, fast and equitable distribution as broadly as possible. Moreover, the guidance covers the industry preparedness for vaccine distribution, which includes: • Capacity and connectivity: The global route network has been reduced dramatically. Governments need to re-establish air connectivity to ensure adequate capacity is available for vaccine distribution.


• Facilities and infrastructure: The first vaccine manufacturer to apply for regulatory approval requires the vaccine to be shipped and stored in a deep-frozen state, making ultra-coldchain facilities across the supply chain essential. Some types of refrigerants are classified as dangerous goods and volumes are regulated,


which adds an additional layer of complexity. Considerations include availability of temperature-controlled facilities and equipment and staff trained to handle time- and temperature-sensitive vaccines.


• Border management: Timely regulatory approvals and storage and clearance by customs and health authorities will be essential. Priorities for border processes include introducing fast-track procedures for overflight and landing permits for operations carrying the COVID-19 vaccine, and potential tariff relief to facilitate the movement of the vaccine.


• Security: Vaccines are highly valuable commodities. Arrangements must be in place to ensure that shipments remain secure from tampering and theft.


Processes are in place already, but the huge


volume of vaccine shipments will require early planning to ensure that they are scalable. BIFA has produced a guidance document, ‘An Introduction to Shipping Medicines and Vaccines’, which should be referred to for links to further information.


January 2021


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