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IATA’s 3rd Edition to the Logistics and Distribution of Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines

IATA has deemed it necessary to release a guidance document in November 2020 to assist carriers and freight forwarders on any possible (current and future) logistical issues that may occur. This is due to the pandemic and the rise of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. This document was intended to provide guidance and awareness on the real hurdles in planning that may occur to anyone shipping pharmaceuticals and vaccines. 

IATA and ICAO have recognized that they have to adapt, as issues arise to combat any logistical issues during this pandemic. Many issues have developed and have been worked through, but there are more on the horizon that are not only concentrated on the shipment of vaccines. The ICAO has been proactively working with stakeholders to provide regulatory solutions. IATA is continuing to provide guidance documents in their third edition for vaccines and pharmaceuticals.  

A lack of infrastructure to provide safe transportation of large amounts of vaccines has created a real concern surrounding the competition for freight space on aircrafts. Temperature-controlled storage facilities and vehicles are needed, and the consequences are negatively impacting other organizations such as the World Food program. 

Click here to read the full updated guidance document. We must be meticulous and ensure preparedness in the planning of vaccine shipments. 

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Elton Woodfine

Elton Woodfine CD (Canadian Decoration) served 22 years as a member of the Canadian Forces. Initially as an Infantry section Commander in the Princess Patricia Canadian Lite Infantry (PPCLI), he served on two peace keeping missions in the former Yugoslavia, and one combat tour in Afghanistan where his unit was awarded the Governor General Unit Citation for actions in combat. He then continued to serve as a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force as a firefighter, where he completed a diploma in Fire Science/ Fire-fighting from Memorial University and Occupational Health and Safety diploma from the University of New Brunswick. Lastly, in his career with the Canadian Forces, he served as a member of the Joint Incident Response Unit (CJIRU) as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Operator (CBRN Op), part of the Canadian Special Operation Command (CANSOFCOM). Upon his retirement from the Canadian Forces, he took a position as a Life Cycle Management of hazardous materials instructor for the logistical branch of the Department of National Defense and is knowledgeable in NFCC, CEPA 1999, IMHWR, TDGR, ICAO, IATA, IMDG, GHS and OH&S federal regulations.