Distribution Chain of COVID-19 Vaccine Is Ready, Expert Says

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Immunization expert Elizabeth Jane Soepardi confirmed that the distribution chain of the COVID-19 vaccine from the center to regions has been ready.

“Regardless of where the vaccine comes from, it (the distribution) will go through our vaccine factory at Bio Farma. They already have a fleet to receive and distribute vaccines. So we have also prepared vaccine depots,” said Elizabeth in a statement on Monday, Nov. 30.

She explained that vaccines are biological products that are sensitive to temperature changes. Thus, it needs to be stored at a temperature of 2-8 degrees Celsius during the distribution process from the factory to the health community centers (Puskesmas). This temperature-controlled supply chain process is known as the cold chain.

According to Elizabeth, Indonesia has already had years of experience in implementing vaccination programs, distributing antibodies from Aceh to Papua and all corners of the country by using a good cold chain system.

Special medical refrigerators available in provinces could also store vaccines for 3-6 months under temperatures of 2-8 degrees Celsius. The vaccine delivery could be then carried out in stages to the district or city level to hospitals and Puskesmas.

Once leaving the cold room, Elizabeth went on, the COVID-19 vaccine must be quickly put into a temporary box specially designed to keep the temperature on the way. Besides, the vaccination service must be set on schedule in order to maintain the vaccine quality.

Also Read: Indonesia Gears for Mass COVID-19 Immunization

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