UPS To Support Distribution Of Approved Vaccine As Part Of Operation Warp Speed

Rhea-AI Summary

UPS announced its role in distributing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine as part of Operation Warp Speed following its FDA emergency use authorization. The delivery will commence shortly, with UPS trained personnel ensuring efficient logistics to transport the vaccine doses to designated states. Vaccines will originate from Michigan and Wisconsin, then expedited via Next Day Air to hospitals and clinics. UPS emphasizes its commitment to healthcare logistics, highlighting its extensive infrastructure and technology to meet the complex demands of vaccine distribution.

Positive

• Involvement in the historic distribution of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
• Efficient logistics planned, leveraging UPS's extensive healthcare logistics infrastructure.
• Supports healthcare partners in a crucial public health initiative.

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• None.

ATLANTA, Dec. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

• Deployments began after federal mandate to distribute therapies within 24 hours of emergency use authorization.
• UPS to help transport the initial Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine doses to support vaccinations of healthcare workers.

UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced its involvement and full support of distribution efforts for Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine as part of Operation Warp Speed. Pfizer’s and BioNTech’s vaccine, approved through a U.S. Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorization (EUA), is the first to be deployed in a months-long global race to develop safe vaccines to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“Vaccine distribution is a key part of moving our world forward by delivering what matters,” says Carol Tomé, CEO of UPS. “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.”

UPS will move the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine within the first days to states designated by Pfizer, Inc. based on orders received by Operation Warp Speed and CDC officials.

“This is the moment of truth we’ve been waiting for at UPS,” says Wes Wheeler, president of UPS Healthcare. “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.”

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines will originate from storage sites in Michigan and Wisconsin. The vaccines will be transported to UPS Worldport facilities in Louisville, where they will be expedited Next Day Air to select destinations, including hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities, to inoculate healthcare workers.  

“This is undoubtedly a historic feat not only for vaccine development but also expedient deployment,” says Mike McDermott, President, Pfizer Global Supply. “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.”

About UPS Healthcare

UPS Healthcare operates 128 facilities in 32 countries which are regulated under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). UPS Healthcare services include: inventory management, temperature-controlled packaging and shipping, storage and fulfillment of medical devices, labs and clinical trial logistics. UPS Healthcare’s global infrastructure, its newest UPS Premier visibility service, its track and trace technology, and its global quality system are well-suited to meet today’s complex logistics demands for the pharmaceutical, medical device and laboratory diagnostic industries. Visit ups.com/healthcare.

FAQ

What is UPS's role in the distribution of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine?

UPS is responsible for the logistics and distribution of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, ensuring timely delivery to healthcare facilities.

When did UPS begin the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine?

UPS began distributing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine shortly after its FDA emergency use authorization on December 12, 2020.

Where will the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines be transported from?

The vaccines will originate from storage sites in Michigan and Wisconsin.

How will UPS transport the COVID-19 vaccines?

UPS will transport the vaccines using its Next Day Air service to select hospitals and clinics.

What logistical capabilities does UPS have for vaccine distribution?

UPS boasts a global healthcare logistics infrastructure, including temperature-controlled packaging, inventory management, and track-and-trace technology.