Moderna Teams With IBM To Advance COVID-19 Vaccine Management

Moderna and IBM are joining forces to collaborate on strengthening and improving COVID-19 vaccination management, the companies announced on Thursday (March 4).

The collaboration will use IBM blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the vaccine supply chain and expand data sharing. A vaccine distribution pilot will introduce the real-time tracking of inoculations while also exploring how technology can accelerate data sharing between healthcare providers and other stakeholders.

Expanded information sharing among agencies — delivery, manufacturing facilities, administration sites — could help reduce supply chain disruptions, the companies said. Increased data sharing could also help gain the public’s confidence about the vaccine, which could lead to increased vaccination rates.

Michael Mullette, vice president of Moderna’s North America Commercial Operations, said the company is committed to expanding education and awareness about the vaccine. The biotech firm will collaborate with IBM to “apply digital innovations” to increase data sharing and instill confidence in COVID-19 vaccines.”

IBM will offer its blockchain Digital Health Pass to help people manage their healthcare information and assist organizations in verifying credentials such as test results and vaccination records.

“If ever there was a time to rally around open technology and collaboration, it’s now,” said Jason Kelley, general Manager of blockchain services for IBM. “As governments, pharmacy chains, healthcare providers and life sciences companies continue to scale and connect their tools and as new players enter the supply chain, open technology can help drive more transparency and bolster trust, while helping to ensure accessibility and equity in the process.”

As travel starts to open back up, officials worldwide have been discussing the possibility of standardized vaccination credentials. The Good Health Pass in a new collaborative initiative that hopes to prevent fragmentation in what is becoming a crowded space. The aim is to develop a digital “health passport” that people can use anywhere.