To understand the importance of securing the vaccine supply chain, let’s look at the journey vaccines take to reach inoculation sites.
Countries are putting their COVID-19 vaccination plans into motion across the globe. Although different governments and health organizations are at different stages of the vaccine testing, regulatory review and approval processes, they are all tasked with coordinating the purchase, logistics and distribution of the vaccine. These critical steps require careful planning for the safe and effective inoculation of communities around the world.
While pharmaceutical companies continue to work around the clock to produce the vaccine as quickly as possible, government support is necessary, as is building strong, dependable security partnerships. As a long-time partner of choice for governments, humanitarian organizations, private companies and multinationals globally, GardaWorld has the experience required to implement security programs tailored to the needs of a variety of clients, quickly and effectively.
Protecting COVID-19 vaccines and the cold chain from the very beginning
From the moment the vaccines leave the pharmaceutical company, they need to be secured, both in a way that protects against foul play and against damaging temperature changes. As it stands, the distribution approach involves shipping vaccines by air to major hubs within a country or region to then be transported by ground to vaccination sites. From mobile patrols to access control to physical security, GardaWorld has the professionals, infrastructure and global footprint to secure the process.
Given the sensitive nature of the vaccines, protecting the cold chain in a way that satisfies the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) is equally important. It requires calculated planning and precise execution at every step of the way. Our security experts are trained in temperature monitoring and cold storage protocols that need to be followed both in transit and on sites.
Managing the vaccines’ journey to warehouses, distribution hubs, and inoculation sites
Transportation can make vaccines a vulnerable target for bad actors, but cutting-edge technology, trained professionals and thorough access control can help ensure a safe delivery. GardaWorld provides security escort services, vehicle and asset tracking with geo-location technology both in Canada and in select African countries. Tried and tested, our cyber investigation and cyber surveillance services can be integrated into security programs to counter online threats to the supply chain.
Ensuring security as well as proper storage and handling at warehouses and distribution hubs
Proper vaccine storage and handling practices play a critical role in the distribution of the doses. Once the vaccines reach warehouses or distribution hubs, securing the perimeters and interiors of facilities is a priority. Our access control and loss prevention services can be deployed with physical security at access points, mobile patrol and video surveillance technology.
Safeguarding vaccines, as well as frontline workers and the public at vaccination sites
After the vaccines have left their distribution hubs and been safely transported to their final destinations, safeguarding vaccination sites and clinics requires a 24/7 presence. Our security guards are there to make sure all regulatory procedures are followed, and that access to the sites is restricted to authorized personnel only. We provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone on site by answering questions, managing crowds, and responding to any disruptions quickly and effectively. We do it all to ensure frontline workers, at-risk patients and members of the public can be vaccinated.
The security of your vaccine supply chain requires the right expertise and infrastructure to support a comprehensive deployment plan, as well as customized solutions. To achieve this, you will need a security partner you can rely on.
We understand that the success of each and every rollout plan contributes to secure global communities, and is necessary for opening up local, national and international economies safely. We are ready to work together to achieve this shared goal.
GardaWorld offers additional services in Africa, including offering turnkey fleet-management support.
We work with many nonprofit, government and diplomatic organizations in the continent, and our services include trained drivers, vehicle and asset tracking, emergency response, security escorts and executive protection.
See how GardaWorld can support your operations by securing your vaccine supply chain.
