FAA Supports First ‘Mass Air Shipment’ of Covid-19 Vaccine

“As a result of the historic pace of vaccine development through Operation Warp Speed ​​and careful logistical planning, the FAA today supports the first mass air shipment of a vaccine,” the agency said in a statement Friday.

The FAA said it established a Covid-19 airlift team in October “to ensure the safe, fast and efficient transportation of vaccines.”

He said several vaccines had to be transported on dry ice and was working with manufacturers, air carriers and airports to provide guidance on regulations for safely transporting large quantities of the dangerous substance in air cargo.

Pfizer’s Covid vaccine, for example, requires large amounts of dry ice to keep it at approximately negative 75 degrees Celsius.

“In addition to mitigating the safety risks related to the safe transportation of vaccines, the FAA guarantees 24-hour air traffic services to keep air cargo moving and prioritizes flights carrying cargo, such as vaccines, and critical response personnel. of the nation to and recovery from Covid-19, “read the FAA statement on Friday.

Advisers to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called an emergency meeting for Tuesday on Friday to vote on who they recommend being the first to receive a coronavirus vaccine once a coronavirus vaccine is authorized. .

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices wants to advise the public before any decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about the emergency authorization of a vaccine, ACIP president Dr. Jose Romero.

Pfizer has applied to the FDA for the US for its vaccine and the biotech company Moderna is expected to do so soon.

CNN’s Maggie Fox contributed to this report.