Temperature control in the vaccine cold chain process is of the utmost importance. Getting the vaccine from the manufacturer to clinics and health care centers can be daunting. Finding resources to help get vaccines from point A to point B are becoming very limited. There are cold boxes, refrigerators, freezers, cold rooms, carriers, and other methodologies to help get the job done.
One often overlooked option is electric ground level refrigerated containers or refrigerated sea containers. They come in 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft lengths (8ft wide) and can control temps ranging from -31F (-35C) to 80F (26C) plus or minus 1 degree F. Refrigerated containers (also referred to as freezer containers, refrigerated pods, freezer pods, cold pods, walk-in coolers, and walk-in freezers) offer ample refrigerated storage space for existing supplies plus additional medicines and vaccines. The refrigeration units (reefers) can be observed remotely, with phone or laptop, by a GPS telematics device that monitors cargo temperature and health of the reefer unit. Portable refrigerated containers offer increased freezer storage capacity to a healthcare facility and can reduce the need to move product multiple times.
Refrigerated trailers (Reefers, Reefer Trailers) are also used to move large quantities of temperature-controlled cargo from location to location. There are diesel powered trailers for over the road use and electric powered dock level refrigerated trailers for on-site cold storage applications. Hybrid trailers (diesel and electric) can provide a dual source of power for emergency back-up so you don’t lose the precious cargo inside. Multi-temp trailers are available if more than one temperature-controlled compartment is needed. Reefer trailers can be equipped with GPS remote monitoring devices to track location and record and monitor cargo temperature, fuel levels, and mechanical health.
Covid-19 vaccine distribution article by Carrier Transicold.