UPS supports distribution of approved COVID-19 vaccine
Following last weeks announcement made by DHL that the logistics company was commissioned by the German federal state to manage the logistics for the COVID-19 vaccine, UPS has announced that it will be supporting the distribution of the approved vaccine in the US as part of Operation Warp Speed.
In the announcement, UPS reported that it will be involved - and fully support - the distribution efforts of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine as part of Operation Warp Speed. Following its apporval via a US Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorisation (EUA), Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the first to be deployed in the US to combat the spread of COVID-19.
“Vaccine distribution is a key part of moving our world forward by delivering what matters. We have dedicated and hardworking people around the world who have been trained to store, handle, transport and deliver vaccines. We’re pleased to support our healthcare partners with smart, efficient logistics for these vaccines that will protect communities and save lives,” commented Carol Tomé, CEO of UPS.
As part of its efforts in the logistics, UPS will move the vaccine to states designated by Pfizer, Inc. based on orders received by Operation Warp Speed and CDC officials. The vacine will originate from Michigan and Wisconsin storage sites, and transported to UPS Worldport facilities in Louisville. Following the transportation, the vaccone will be expeditied ‘Next Day Air’ to hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities, to inoculate healthcare workers.
“This is the moment of truth we’ve been waiting for at UPS. We have spent months strategizing with Operation Warp Speed officials and our healthcare customers on efficient vaccine logistics, and the time has arrived to put the plan into action,” added Wes Wheeler, president of UPS Healthcare.
“This is undoubtedly a historic feat not only for vaccine development but also expedient deployment. We know that agile, world-class logistics is critical to get our products where they are needed, and we’re happy to partner with UPS in this historic effort to save lives and create healthier communities right now and well into the future,” concluded Mike McDermott, President, Pfizer Global Supply.
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