Linfox, DHL to deliver Covid-19 vaccine to Australians

The freighter behind the ‘fresh food people’, Linfox, to deliver Covid-19 vaccine to Australians along with DHL.

The transport of Covid-19 vaccines is a logistical feat. Picture: Mark Stewart

The Morrison government is tapping into the same cold chain distribution network used to supply Woolworths and Coles with fresh and frozen food to transport doses of Covid-19 vaccines across the country.

Linfox, with “you’re passing another Fox” signage on the back of their trucks will transport the coronavirus vaccines with German-owned logistics giant DHL from March next year.

Linfox executive chairman Peter Fox said the trucking company would also partner with “Australia Post/Startrack and Qantas to deliver a world-class solution for all Australians no matter where they reside”.

“Linfox has long-standing partnerships with some of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world, and our state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, networks and cold chain solutions meet the most exacting standards of regulators in the pharmaceutical industries,” Mr Fox said.

“Linfox’s cold chain network includes temperature-controlled distribution centres and cross-dock facilities across Australia, and a world-class fleet with industry-leading safety and temperature-controlled features including temperature tracking and the highest security standards.”

Keeping it cold

The transport of Covid-19 vaccines is a logistical feat, particularly for the Pfizer vaccine, which will be the first vaccine available to Australians from March and must be stored at temperatures down to -70C - which is colder than the average temperature of the South Pole in winter.

This compares with flu vaccines which can be stored at 2C-8C - the temperature of a household fridge.

DHL’s life sciences division was one of the first companies to outline the logistical challenges - and even drafted a research paper in September to help governments around the globe prepare.

Two weeks ago, DHL began the international distribution of a Covid-19 vaccine, with the first shipments landing in Israel.

“After numerous months of preparation we are happy that our mission of vaccine distribution has now started and we could contribute our logistics expertise and capabilities to make vaccine accessible worldwide”, said Travis Cobb, head of global network operations and aviation at DHL Express.

“The current crisis has shown how indispensable international logistics networks are for ensuring that societies have the necessary personal protective equipment and test kits to secure their health.

Now we are embarking on the next step in our common fight against the coronavirus. Our teams across 220 countries and territories and our global network as the backbone of cross-border express logistics is ready.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt said DHL Supply Chain and Linfox will work with the Health Department to “design and operate a national distribution network”.

“They will support vaccination for all, including people in rural, remote and very remote areas and others who are hard to reach,” Mr Hunt said.

Mr Hunt said purpose built dry ice containers will be supplied for moving the Pfizer vaccine around Australia, as part of the government’s global distribution deal with Pfizer to supply 10 million doses.

Pending approval

All doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be manufactured overseas, but the AstraZeneca Oxford University vaccine - which is pending approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration - will be produced in Australia at CSL’s factory at Broadmeadows in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

“As well as transporting the vaccines from the point of acceptance from manufacturers to vaccination administration sites, the logistics partners will be responsible for transport and management of vaccination supplies such as needles, syringes, and personal protective equipment,” Mr Hunt said.

“Data partner Accenture will design, develop, and implement a software solution to enable “point in time” visibility of Covid-19 vaccine doses across the delivery chain. This will include receipt of the vaccine by health services, vaccination of patients, and subsequent monitoring for adverse reactions.

“Vaccines will be a critical part of Australia’s ongoing response to Covid-19 and the Australian government has secured over 117 million doses to cover the Australian population several times over.”