INDIANAPOLIS — The FedEx Indianapolis hub, the company's second-largest express hub, recently installed ultra-cold freezers to help ship COVID-19 vaccines once it's available.
Pfizer's two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, which is anticipated to be one of the first vaccines available, needs to be stored at ultra-low temperatures.
"FedEx fully expects to contribute to the distribution of vaccines from a variety of different manufacturers," a statement from the company read. "We have been planning for months and are prepared to handle the transportation of vaccines as they are approved for use."
The company is working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense, and healthcare customers on plans to distribute vaccines.
Through working with the Federal Aviation Administration to increase the capability to safely carry dry ice on cargo aircraft, FedEx will be able to ship vaccines between more than 100 countries on the company's fleet of Boeing 767s and 777s, where allowed by country-level regulations, according to the FedEx.
FedEx has 10 secure cold chain facilities throughout its global network and has cold chain capabilities at more than 90 locations in the Americas, Asia, Australia, and Europe. The company is planning to open more cold chain facilities.
Once a COVID-19 vaccine is available in Indiana, healthcare workers who may have direct contact with infected people will get the vaccine first.
STATE VACCINE PLAN | Who will be first in the state when COVID-19 vaccines are available?
The state is working with federal agencies and partners on plans to ship and distribute the vaccine throughout Indiana.
