We interact with increasingly connected environments on a daily basis thanks to the magic (but we know it’s technology) of IoT. Most of the applications we interact with are designed to improve our quality of life, either by reducing costs or consumption or shortening waiting times, or by providing users with a series of services that would have been unthinkable a few years ago. Some applications go a step further and have a positive impact on our health, such as IoT systems for vaccine logistics.
In the context of World Immunization Week, we want to highlight how IoT infrastructure plays a vital role in effectively immunising populations against numerous diseases. IoT technology is key to safely distributing vaccines. Through the correct installation and configuration of sensors and telemetry systems, it is possible to maintain the cold chain – a critical component in preserving vaccine effectiveness.
Controlling the cold chain in the supply of vaccines
According to the Pan American Health Organisation, optimal storage and distribution temperatures vary by vaccine type. Freeze-sensitive vaccines should be kept between 2°C to 8°C, while for vaccines produced with viral and/or freeze-dried strains it is -15°C to -25°C. Maintaining these ranges is easy in closed and controlled facilities, but the real challenge begins once vaccines are distributed across various locations.
Fortunately, modern technology ensures that vaccines remain within recommended environmental parameters throughout the distribution process. IoT devices provide supply managers full traceability of vaccines, from source to destination. These technologies include:
- Temperature sensors: ensure that refrigeration systems keep vaccines within target ranges.
- Environmental sensors: preserve vaccine integrity
- GPS trackers: continuously report the location and status of transport vehicles where vaccines aiding in route optimisation to ensure timely delivery.
- Inventory management systems: automation tools help manage distribution processes, prioritising areas with the greatest need for immunisation.
The importance of traceability in combating the epidemic of misinformation
The traceability of vaccines throughout the supply process is crucial to not only ensure their safety and efficacy but also for adding transparency to the immunization process and combating misinformation about this critical health resource. Having records to prove that vaccines have been administered under optimal safety conditions is a strong argument in favour of our main immunisation tool. This transparency is essential for maintaining public trust and validating the effectiveness of vaccination programs.
Cellular connectivity, a key ally of immunization
In this complex chain that ultimately aims to ensure public health, there is one critical element that cannot be overlooked: connectivity. Secure and resilient connectivity solutions are essential to ensure that the various IoT devices can transmit and receive data in a timely manner. Reliable connectivity enables real-time monitoring and swift adjustments, ensuring that vaccines are handled under optimal conditions throughout the supply chain.
Cellular connectivity becomes a logical choice, for several reasons:
- Ease of deployment: plug & play solutions are crucial for rapid and hassle-free set up, allowing devices to be easily installed and integrated into existing systems.
- Wide coverage: even in rural areas so that no area is left without necessary connectivity for vaccine distribution.
- Resilience with eSIM/eUICC technology: devices can be configured to switch to a backup network in case of primary network failure, ensuring continuous connectivity and reducing the risk of data transmission interruptions.
- Global connectivity solutions: facilitate seamless international operations with Remote SIM Provisioning and multi-IMSI SIM solutions.
- IoT cybersecurity: with solutions covered by the main standards of the GSMA and other global authorities.
Other Health IoT use cases
IoT logistics systems for vaccine distribution are just one example of many that can be found in the broad spectrum of Health IoT (IoT applications) for healthcare. Other use cases include:
- Health wearables for remote monitoring of key patient parameters (blood pressure, temperature, or other biomedical parameters).
- Tele-assistance devices for dependent people.
- Automatic medicine dispensers for elderly and/or polymedicated patients.
- Robotic surgery with 5G.
- Smart Building solutions for optimal asset and space management in hospitals and healthcare centres.
The vast and complex managed IoT ecosystem, can significantly enhance quality of life and public health, and its benefits extend beyond dedicated health-focussed solutions.
Other common IoT use cases also focus on reducing the ecological footprint by optimising resources, and improve energy efficiency. All of this indirectly contributes to the health of the planet and to building more sustainable and healthy environments for people. Wireless Logic is committed to supporting businesses that develop solutions with a positive environmental and social impact, offering connectivity solutions that enable these beneficial technologies.
For more information on IoT trends, find out more about our connectivity solutions for Health IoT, or speak to one of our IoT experts on 944 94 32 18 or fill in this form.
