USE OF DRY ICE IN
VACCINES STORAGE
Vaccines require acute-cold storage. Initially the storage and distribution of vaccine is difficult for the pharmaceutical manufacturers. They had to find the best suitable way to create ultra-low temperature cold chain. Some COVID-19 vaccines like Pfizer need to be stored and dispatched at -70°C. The demand of dry ice rose after the introduction of vaccines of COVID-19. This increased demand of vaccines automatically enhanced the demand of dry ice.
Dry ice is mandatory for maintaining the constant temperature in the vaccine transportation and distribution cold chain. Since, dry ice sublimates with no remnants, making it ideal for refrigerating and dispatching the vaccines. It is critical for the pharmaceutical companies to use the right quantity and format of dry ice. It is suggested to use 10 mm dry ice nuggets during refrigerated vaccine transport for shipment and storage of vaccines.
Vaccines require rigid cold storage and dry ice fulfills this requirement. Poorly ventilated room can lead to asphyxiation. It is necessary to keep the dry ice in a nice ventilated room and use proper cryogenic gloves and eye goggles while dealing with dry ice otherwise it can cause frostbite. Use insulated containers rather than airtight containers because in airtight container sublimation process can pressurize the container causing an explosion.
