Airports advised to step up security efforts for COVID-19 vaccinated cargo

MONTREAL (Reuters) – Airports around the world are advised to step up security efforts to protect shipments of COVID-19 vaccine amid police warnings of potential targets in criminal networks.

The recommendation of a global airport body comes as pharmaceutical companies and airlines carry out the largest such logistics operation for the distribution of vaccines to combat the global pandemic.

As part of a larger vaccine newsletter recently sent to members, the International Council Airport recommended that affected airports contact local authorities and carry out risk assessments on given shipments as potential threats.

The bulletin was posted on the group’s website on Friday, a spokesman said.

“The sensitive nature of vaccines, the high level of demand for them, and the short initial supply have the potential to generate some attention from people or groups with malicious intent,” he said.

“Increased protection of these assets and / or the facilities that will house them should be taken into account. In many cases, this requires coordination with local security authorities. “

The Interpol Global Police Coordination Agency recently warned that organized criminal networks could target COVID-19 vaccines, possibly by infiltrating or disrupting supply chains. [FWN2II0HH]

The bulletin also recommended that airports consider safety measures, given the use of the large volumes of dry ice needed to meet the ultra-cold requirements of vaccines. The transport of dry ice is regulated because it is considered a “dangerous good”.

Talks are underway at the United Nations aviation agency to “increase the volume of dry ice that can be carried in a single aircraft, provided strict protocols are followed,” he said.

A vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc. and German partner BioNTech SE has begun to be given to people in the United States and the United Kingdom, and a second vaccine, from Moderna Inc., is expected to obtain regulatory approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. in a few days.