Modular vaccine packaging increases packing efficiency

Abstract

Background Within a typical vaccine supply chain, vaccines are packaged into individual cylindrical vials (each containing one or more doses) that are bundled together in rectangular “inner packs” for transport via even larger groupings such as cold boxes and vaccine carriers. The variability of vaccine inner pack and vial size may hinder efficient vaccine distribution because it constrains packing of cold boxes and vaccine carriers to quantities that are often inappropriate or suboptimal in the context of country-specific vaccination guidelines. Methods We developed in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA) a spreadsheet model that evaluated the impact of different packing schemes for the Benin routine regimen plus the introduction of the Rotarix vaccine. Specifically, we used the model to compare the current packing scheme to that of a proposed modular packing scheme. Results Conventional packing of a Dometic RCW25 that aims to maximize fully-immunized children (FICs) results in 123 FICs and a packing efficiency of 81.93% compared to a maximum of 155 FICs and 94.1% efficiency for an alternative modular packaging system. Conclusions Our analysis suggests that modular packaging systems could offer significant advantages over conventional vaccine packaging systems with respect to space efficiency and potential FICs, when they are stored in standard vaccine carrying devices. This allows for more vaccines to be stored within the same volume while also simplifying the procedures used by field workers to pack storage devices. Ultimately, modular packaging systems could be a simple way to help increase vaccine coverage worldwide.

Vaccine distribution chains in low- and middle-income countries: A literature review

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Mathematical Model for Cargo Allocation Problem in Synchromodal Transportation

“…A new transport concept called "synchromodality" has been proposed for green freight transport, promoting the shift to green modes of transport [13,14], such as water (barge or short distance) container transport, rail, air and/or road [14][15][16]. Synchromodality can be called a new logistical concept aimed at increasing transport efficiency and reducing costs [17][18][19] while increasing customer service [20].…”

Investigation and evaluation of main indicators impacting synchromodality using ARTIW and AHP methods

“…Zunder et al (2013) analyses the extent to which an open access rail freight market has enabled new Pan-European rail freight services, using a case study within the context of policy. A novel transport concept called "synchromodality" has been proposed recently to green freight transport by fostering a modal shift towards environmentally friendly modes (Tavasszy et al 2010;Buiel et al 2015) of transport such as water (barge or short sea), rail and/or road can be used (Topsector Logistiek 2011) for container transportation (Buiel et al 2015;Norman et al 2015). Miletić et al (2017) emphasised the issue of the environmental impact of mode choice since the transport sector is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions (after energy production).…”