NEW CUMBERLAND, Pennsylvania –
For the 10th year in a row, DLA Distribution is ensuring the storage and distribution of the seasonal influenza vaccine to military all over the globe.
Calendar year to date, more than 3.5 million doses have been purchased by DLA Troop Support for distribution to the warfighter, and nearly 2.5 million of those doses have been received at DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pa.
Vaccines began arriving at the distribution center in August, but planning occurred much earlier in the year. First the product team had to perform product overviews, review policies, and examine the ordering and shipping process in order ensure the process was successful.
Shipped direct from the vendor, vaccines go directly into the DLA Distribution Susquehanna’s cold chain storage upon arrival to await requisition. At the end of September, nearly 50 percent of the distribution center’s stock had been specially packaged and shipped to customers around the globe.
“It’s not as simple as placing these items in a box and shipping them off,” said Domon Barr, seasonal influenza vaccine project coordinator. “There are protocols that we must follow- to include using insulated containers and monitoring the package temperature- to ensure the vaccines are never compromised.”
Barr predicts most of the vaccines will be issued out to the warfighter by November, ensuring the health of customers, including civilians, retired military and their dependents.
“These are the folks that are on the front lines, defending our borders, and executing critical missions for the safety of the United States. It’s our job to ensure that influenza is not a threat to their health,” said Barr.