How blockchain can help with vaccine distribution
News of the first successfully completed vaccine trials have the potential to bring relief to billions of people around the world. But as encouraging as these trials may be, it is extremely important to note that a vaccine cannot be as effective if it is not effectively distributed and trusted by the public.
As 77% of U.S. citizens are concerned about the safety and efficacy of vaccines¹, a whole-of-government approach is essential through the last mile to infuse speed, accountability, and transparency across the vaccine distribution system.
With a vaccine distribution network powered by IBM Blockchain, manufacturers can proactively monitor for adverse events and improve recall management. Distributers can gain real-time visibility and enhanced ability to respond to supply chain disruptions. Dispensers can improve inventory management and safety monitoring. Citizens can trust the vaccines and confidently return to society.
Blockchain can provide real-time visibility of vaccine distribution and chain of custody from manufacturing to administration, eliminating blind spots across public and private entities.
Preemptive detection and proactive notification of supply chain disruptions, adverse reactions, fraud, spoilage and other unexpected events help deliver the vaccines ready to go.
Environmental monitoring of transport and storage conditions, as well as rapid recall traceability will help ensure efficacy and build trust.
In some countries, counterfeit pharmaceuticals account for 70% of all drugs in the supply chain. A recent pilot by KPMG, Merck, Walmart and IBM is using blockchain to bring new trust into the system by reducing the time it takes to alert the supply chain of a product recall from a few days to a few seconds.
Built on IBM Blockchain technology, this solution is designed to enable organizations to verify health credentials in a privacy-preserving way — with individuals being able to manage their information through an encrypted digital wallet on their smartphone.
IBM and Moderna are working to explore blockchain, AI and hybrid cloud in order to help facilitate more effective management of COVID-19 vaccine supply chain and sharing of distribution data. Goals: improve public confidence in vaccine programs, boost vaccination rates and reduce the spread of infection.
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Building trust in vaccines through IBM Blockchain and other technologies
Authenticating vaccines. Managing inventory with proven technologies. Restarting human interaction safely. Learn how IBM Blockchain, IBM supply chain solutions and IBM Watson Works are joining forces to help address the global pandemic.
"A vaccine cannot be effective if it is not effectively distributed and trusted by consumers."
— Jason Kelley, General Manager, Blockchain Services, IBM
