The Mass Distribution of Covid-19 Vaccine - A Big Challenge to the World
                     The Mass Distribution of Covid-19 Vaccine - A Big Challenge to the World
Summary - The mass distribution of Covid-19 vaccine in record time is truly complex. Let’s check some of the challenges that can
impede the smooth availability of these vaccines at the right time. 
The collective force of humanity is waiting with bated breath on how the nation will battle the
phenomenal  demand  for  Covid-19  vaccine.  The  scale  at  which  this  drive  is  conducted  is
unprecedented and can be matched perhaps by the efforts undertaken during World War II.
Right from its initial rollout in December 2020, hundreds of thousands of volunteers have been
administered the shot. However, the sheer scale is definitely proving to be a massive challenge to
cope with, even if the scenario is playing out in the strongest nation in the world. 
A mind-boggling number of touchpoints and resources
The frontline health workers are just the tip of the iceberg in the mass distribution and supply
chain network associated with covid-19 vaccine transportation. We see many touchpoints like
chemists factory workers, roadway drivers, data scientists, analysts, physicians, caregivers, and
nurses. 
In  terms  of  resources,  the  demand  is  bursting  at  the  seams  for  different  accesories.  These
include ultra-low temperature freezers, dry ice, needles, masks, vials, and swabs. As a result, it is
mind-boggling to comprehend the degree of mobilization needed to ensure a smooth supply of
these vaccines where they are needed the most. 
After all, it is a matter of inoculating 300+ million people here in the US.
What is happening now?
The  supply  chain  for  vaccine  distribution  was  expected  to  be  slow at  the  onset.  All  major
touchpoints who have had months to prepare were collectively progressing cautiously to make
the right move against the deadly pandemic that has scientists baffled for months. While drug
companies and pharma supplies producers have got a slow start, the future does seem uncertain.
They aren't sure how to ramp up capacity to cope with the increase in demand for these vaccine
resources. 
Take the case of Pfizer,  a frontrunner in this domain.  It had announced in November that it
expected to ship only 50% if the vaccines planned initially for distribution in 2020. This revised
forecast was a telling indicator of the immense pressure they are working under to ensure timely
distribution of the vaccines to the masses. It also highlights the current distribution network's
inability to mass-mobilize these vaccines to the right recipients within a short turnaround time. 
However, in its latest statement, it says that it is on track to meet the supply targets for 2021, so
that forecast does offer a sliver of hope.
What about the hardware components?
The manufacturing and supply of hardware components too seem to be grappling with more
questions than answers on how to accelerate their supply chain for this mass-mobilization drive. 
Manufacturers  are  scaling  to  peak  level,  the  production  of  accessories  like  vials, ultra-low
temperature freezers,, needles, and syringes. Many of the key players have invested substantial
efforts in summer to be ready for such a humongous task by early 2021. An example is the US
government's  promotion of McKesson to design and build useful vaccination kits filled with
accessories like syringes and needles.
The other challenge is the administration schedule. Both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require
dual  shots  spacing  each  other  by  14  days.  This  will  add  an  element  of  complexity  to  the
challenges  faced by the supply chain ecosystem for distributing the vaccine  across the US's
length and breadth.
The key challenge is to alleviate fears of wastages, delays and loss of valuable vaccine doses. 
What about the ultra-low freezers?
Even in the ultra-low freezer production space, the story mimics other components. The demand
has been crazy, people are working round the clock, and inventory levels have gone to nearly
zero. Manufacturers are finding it tough to ramp up inventory even with sustained efforts to
enable maximum output. These freezers are a key enabler to the success of covid-19 vaccine
disturbing success story. The Pfizer vaccine needs a temperature of -70°C. 
The other big player, Moderna says it can keep the vaccines in a viable state for 6 months if the
temperature remains at -70°C. Companies have placed huge orders for raw materials and parts
since March 2020. But the entire chain of manufacturing seems to be collapsing from the mind-
numbing demand at such short notice. Companies like B Medical Systems are working hard to
contribute to the global shortage and add value to the logistics and supply chain for distributing
these vaccines. 
Public participation can spike up demand 
Another challenge is the number of people who wish to be inoculated with the vaccine. A Gallup
poll suggests that the number of people willing to take a dose of the vaccine has shot up from
50% to 58%. The more the number of people, the higher will be the demand for doses. This, in
turn, will amplify the supply chain and logistical challenge faced by the touchpoints involved in
distributing the vaccine doses. The same poll also cites development speed as the most common
reason people choose not to get themselves vaccinated. 
To sign off
The first  few weeks have definitely been sluggish for vaccine distribution.  But now that the
processes and protocols are in place, it is expected that the pace of vaccination and coverage will
improve substantially. Stay tuned as we keep you posted of latest updates on this front.