How to transport COVID-19 vaccines

Scientists around the world have developed vaccines for COVID-19 in record time.Now, with several of these licensed for distribution, the race is on to inoculate the greatest number of people in the shortest time.

But getting vaccines quickly to where they are most needed is no simple task. Unprecedented demand and the exacting transport and storage requirements of some vaccines make already complicated supply chains even more challenging. This is particularly true of cutting-edge mRNA vaccines, which must be kept at constant super-low temperatures.

More traditional viral vector vaccines, on the other hand, can be produced, transported and stored at just below room temperature, making use of existing cold chain logistics infrastructure.

This infographic explores two different cold chain journeys, highlighting some of the different supply issues vaccine distributors must overcome to safely transport their product around the world.