Among the COVID-19 vaccines, Pfizer vaccines are very difficult to distribute. This is because a cryogenic refrigeration system of -60 to 90℃ is required. Because storage conditions are so sensitive, it is important to block unpleasant things that may occur, such as terrorism in the distribution process, and maintain a cold chain (refrigerated distribution) environment. The Korean government even mobilizes the military and military police to safely transfer vaccines that are directly linked to the lives of the people.
On the morning of the 3rd, a simulation training for the distribution of the Corona 19 vaccine took place at Incheon Airport’s Korean Air Cargo Terminal 2. The training, which President Moon Jae-in visited directly, was held like a’military operation against terrorism’.
For the safe distribution of the vaccine, the government established a transport support headquarters (Headquarters Director Park Joo-kyung, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army) in the COVID-19 vaccination promotion team. With the appointment of the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army as the head of the headquarters, as well as the Ministry of National Defense and the National Police Agency, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the Disease Control Administration, the Fire Department, and the Customs Service participate in the distribution support, we can see how important the government recognizes the distribution of vaccines. I can.
In the training that day, it was revealed that the Transportation Support Headquarters is making every effort to prepare for distribution, preparing for any unexpected situations that may occur from the arrival of the vaccine to the vaccination center at the airport.
The simulation training process consisted of four stages (airport stage → transportation stage → logistics warehouse storage stage → vaccination center transportation and storage stage). Although a virtual vaccine was used, the training proceeded as in real life.
The vaccine arrived at the airport in a transport container specially designed by Korean Air. This container has a cold chain function that is essential for vaccine storage. Pfizer vaccines that must be maintained at -60 to 90°C and modders or vaccines that must be maintained at -20°C are shipped in frozen packaging.
The vaccines unloaded from the aircraft were transferred to a refrigerated truck with special equipment and a forklift. After that, the vaccine movement began. A total of 11 vehicles, including police sidecars, patrol cars, military police, police commandos, and police squadrons escorted the vehicle carrying the vaccine. In case of an accident that might occur, a spare refrigerated car was followed.
Police sidecars and patrol cars play the role of traffic control and safety management, while military police and police commandos play the role of protecting transport vehicles in case of unexpected situations such as terrorism.
The vaccine delivered in this way went through the distribution center in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, and headed to the Central Vaccination Center at the National Medical Center.
President Moon said, “In order for vaccination to be successful, it is necessary to put the full power of the private sector together with government-wide efforts including the military and police. Repeated training like this is important.”
In addition, he said, “It is necessary to carefully review the training process, re-check even the smallest parts, and carry out the mission without any errors in the actual vaccine transport, storage, and distribution process in the future.”
