Securing Vaccine Quality Every Step of the Way

Vaccines and temperature-sensitive medicines require strict handling and traceability ensures they remain safe from the factory to the patient. The Global Trade Item Number, embedded in a two-dimensional barcode, allows each package to be uniquely identified. When combined with temperature logs, batch numbers and expiry dates, healthcare workers can verify that the vaccine has been stored correctly throughout its journey. The Serial Shipping Container Code helps track vaccine cartons and pallets through distribution, ensuring no shipment is misplaced or exposed to damaging temperatures.

The Global Location Number identifies every checkpoint in the cold chain, including warehouses, clinics and mobile vaccination units. This provides a clear history of where each vaccine has been and whether it remained within its required temperature range. With global attention on vaccine quality and safety, cold-chain traceability gives health systems the confidence that every dose administered is safe, effective and protected throughout transport.