UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced its involvement and full support ofdistribution efforts for Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine as partof Operation Warp Speed. Pfizer’s and BioNTech’s vaccine, approvedthrough a U.S. Food and Drug Administration emergency useauthorization (EUA), is the first to be deployed in a months-longglobal race to develop safe vaccines to combat the spread of theCOVID-19 virus.
“Vaccine distribution is a key part of moving our world forwardby delivering what matters,” says Carol Tomé, CEO of UPS. “We havededicated and hardworking people around the world who have beentrained to store, handle, transport and deliver vaccines. We’repleased to support our healthcare partners with smart, efficientlogistics for these vaccines that will protect communities and savelives.”
UPS will move the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine within thefirst days to states designated by Pfizer, Inc. based on ordersreceived by Operation Warp Speed and CDC officials.
“This is the moment of truth we’ve been waiting for at UPS,” saysWes Wheeler, president of UPS Healthcare. “We have spent monthsstrategizing with Operation Warp Speed officials and our healthcarecustomers on efficient vaccine logistics, and the time has arrivedto put the plan into action.”
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines will originate from storagesites in Michigan and Wisconsin. The vaccines will be transportedto UPS Worldport facilities in Louisville, where they will beexpedited Next Day Air to select destinations, including hospitals,clinics and other medical facilities, to inoculate healthcareworkers. “This is undoubtedly a historic feat not only for vaccinedevelopment but also expedient deployment,” says Mike McDermott,President, Pfizer Global Supply. “We know that agile, world-classlogistics is critical to get our products where they are needed,and we’re happy to partner with UPS in this historic effort to savelives and create healthier communities right now and well into thefuture.”