Blockchain Can Play a Critical Role in COVID Vaccination
19 January 2021

The mass distribution of the COVID vaccine presents several challenges for both the public and private sectors due to a number of reasons. These include the need for cold chain storage at sub-zero temperatures; record keeping; the presence of a variety of participants and stakeholders; the complexity of supply chains; and the need for proof of immunisation. Some of these difficulties arise from the time the vaccine is manufactured until the vaccine is finally used. One of the major challenges is the need to monitor supplies through the supply chain that is handled by various organisations in different countries, regions and localities. These different organisations will be utilising different software and this may result in challenges with regards to sharing data because of legislation, compliance, and security issues.

Early Birds, a company that is in the business of helping organisations and their leaders use innovations from disruptive innovators to transform their business in a matter of weeks, wants to point out that blockchain technology can help with the logistical challenges presented by COVID vaccination. Early Birds can determine those innovators and innovations in various industry sectors, including blockchain, supply chain, and more, and help both the private and public sectors with the difficulties they may encounter with the mass distribution and inoculation of the COVID vaccine.

The mass distribution of the COVID vaccine presents several challenges for both the public and private sectors due to a number of reasons. These include the need for cold chain storage at sub-zero temperatures; record keeping; the presence of a variety of participants and stakeholders; the complexity of supply chains; and the need for proof of immunisation. Some of these difficulties arise from the time the vaccine is manufactured until the vaccine is finally used. One of the major challenges is the need to monitor supplies through the supply chain that is handled by various organisations in different countries, regions and localities. These different organisations will be utilising different software and this may result in challenges with regards to sharing data because of legislation, compliance, and security issues.

Blockchain technology can play a key role by offering a secure, trusted, and a verifiable record of every step in the manufacturing, logistics, and vaccination activities for every public and private organisation that is involved. Blockchain can provide an immutable and decentralised database that helps all parties involved make sure that the vaccine supplies are being stored and handled correctly. Several parties can manage and share a decentralised database when using blockchain technology. This will allow the various parties to create and then share a transparent source of information that they can mutually agree upon.

Blockchain can serve as the ideal infrastructure for supply chain management platforms because it complies with two key requirements for establishing digital trust. First of all, it is not owned by anyone but instead, offers a generic standardised protocol where all those parties that are involved in the supply chain can join and then share important data. Second, it is immutable, which means that current information cannot be erased but only added to, which in turn, causes each participant that enters new data to have a higher level of accountability.

Another significant advantage offered is the relatively simple way of managing read/write access permissions over the blockchain. Certain participants may only be given read-only access and those participants who have the permission to write can specify which information can be shared with whom. This provides a platform that allows complete monitoring of each and every item in the supply chain in near real-time, making supply chain management platforms that are based on blockchain technology highly reliable and efficient.

Because of the importance of the storage temperature for the vaccines, the vaccine distributors need to ensure that all storage requirements are complied with. They will also need to show proof that the storage conditions have been met. Fortunately, the immutable database containing the storage temperature data can be used as proof, eliminating any doubt that the vaccines are safe and effective.

With this technology, manufacturers would be able to monitor shipments and ensure that they are delivered on time. Distributors would have an efficient platform for monitoring deliveries, including verification of compliance with storage requirements. The hospitals and clinics would have a better way of managing their stocks of the vaccine, minimising potential problems with supply and demand. In addition, they would get the appropriate guarantee that the vaccines are genuine and were stored properly.

Meanwhile, a number of blockchain companies already have the experience of implementing blockchain for supply chain management. Many of these supply chain management solutions have been motivated by commercial, time saving and supply chain security incentives.

Those who are interested in the services provided by Early Birds may want to visit their website or contact them through the telephone or via email to explore options for their business challenges.