How Are Vaccines Distributed Along the Cold Chain?

How Are Vaccines Distributed Along the Cold Chain?

UNICEF primarily uses air transport for rapid vaccine delivery, with a small number of shipments sent by land. All vaccines are shipped as refrigerated cargo directly from manufacturers to the destination country. To make vaccine distribution more sustainable and cost-effective, UNICEF is also exploring sea freight, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% and cut transport costs by 50% compared to air freight.

Upon arrival in the destination country, vaccines are first stored in cold rooms and then distributed via refrigerated vehicles to regional and sub-regional cold storage facilities.

From storage facilities to the village level, healthcare workers carry vaccines using cold boxes and vaccine carriers, whether by car, motorcycle, bicycle, donkey, camel, or on foot, to vaccinate every child, even in the most remote villages.

Keeping Vaccines Effective

Storage and transport equipment such as cold rooms, refrigerators, freezers, cold boxes, and vaccine carriers must comply with performance standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Inventory management procedures must also follow WHO-specific guidelines for each vaccine type.

UNICEF procures cold chain equipment and services and works closely with partners and governments to ensure the cold chain remains unbroken, allowing national systems to operate efficiently and effectively, thereby ensuring the potency of childhood vaccines.