Langham Logistics on Vaccine Distribution Needs
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowOne of the major concerns in the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine is maintaining temperature control. Indianapolis-based Langham Logistics is leveraging its long-established connections to healthcare systems across the country by helping them secure pharmaceutical-grade freezers to store the vaccine.
The vaccine developed by Pfizer requires a storage temperature of -94 degrees Fahrenheit.
In an interview on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Langham Logistics President and Chief Executive Officer Cathy Langham explained how her company is handling the special needs of the vaccine.
“These Ultra Low Temp freezers are pretty high tech,” explained Langham, who says many hospitals and labs do not have the freezer capacity needed for the extreme storage. “Partnering with great companies like Helmer, Indiana based companies, we procured these ULT freezers, and we’re placing them and validating and maintaining them around the state of Indiana.”
While FedEx and UPS are handling most of the immediate distribution of the vaccines, Langham expects logistics companies will play an ever-larger role in the months ahead.
“I think as the vaccines are normalized across the state and six months from now, the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control) will open it up to US companies like Langham, and other warehousing and transportation companies to do the ongoing delivery of the vaccines,” said Langham. “And where we’re located in the crossroads of America, it’s perfect for Indiana.”
Even before the development of the vaccine, Langham has been busy in the battle against COVID-19. She says her team has been heavily involved in the storage and distribution of personal protective equipment, including masks, shields and medical gowns.
“We’ve got about nine to 10,000 pallets of PPE. We have shipped over 5 million pieces to long term health care facilities, to penitentiaries, to small business, to schools around the state.”