Quick! Think of something that could rival the value of a precious metal like gold or palladium. Perhaps you thought of a rare jewel (red beryl or ammolite) or someone you love. Maybe you took into account a new, fancy car or your health. All are good answers that depend on each person’s specific experiences. One thing we’ve experienced together in 2020 is the COVID-19 pandemic, and we would argue that something that currently rivals the value of precious metal is the newly released COVID-19 vaccine. A fast-tracked science marvel, the vaccine was developed in less than a year to build immunity around the globe from SARS-CoV-2. The release of the vaccine shone the first bright ray of hope in a grueling time for front-line workers, especially those in the healthcare field.

Just as a rare, red ruby belongs in a treasure chest, the COVID-19 vaccine should have a “treasure chest” of its own to call home. With limited doses and a phased distribution plan, the COVID-19 vaccine is not expected to become widely available to the public until later in 2021. The time is now to determine how and where you’ll store the vaccine when it’s time to distribute widely. 

If you’re responsible for transporting, storing, receiving, or distributing vaccines, you may be wondering about ways you can safeguard these important, life-saving vials. Some of the precautions currently in place to protect doses of the vaccine include: large amounts of dry ice to transport the vaccine while keeping it temperature-controlled, GPS-enabled thermal sensors to track vaccines’ temperatures and whereabouts, ramped up airport security when shipments land, and dummy trucks meant to throw would-be thieves off track. The first two precautions focus mostly on making sure it doesn’t become unusable due to changes in temperature. The latter two center on external risk factors like robberies.

Because the “theft of pharmaceuticals is up 70% over the last two years,” investments into how and where the vaccine is protected are smart moves. Following its journey from point of distribution (POD) to point of use (POU), there are many opportunities for people with malicious intent to intercept the vaccine as it is transported via airplanes and trucks. This is a constant area of vigilance for the U.S. Marshals Service, the agency in charge of COVID-19 vaccine security.

The vaccine is understandably under watchful eyes during transport. But what happens after it’s delivered to the point of use?

It wouldn’t be feasible to have U.S. Marshals at every single facility that receives the COVID-19 vaccine across the country, especially because it can be kept for up to five, 30, or 180 days depending on the type of storage and refrigeration used in what is called “cold chain” distribution. Instead of security in the form of guards and decoy vehicles, facilities receiving the vaccine shipments can use in-house measures such as security counter shutters and rolling doors.

When considering choices for enhancing security in a retail or medical facility, there can be an overwhelming number of choices. Look for products that improve security in your building and can withstand and exceed the rigors of daily use and potential break-ins. While products should firstly be functional and protective, secondary benefits like the ability to add creative flair with designs and even logos are an added plus.

At CornellCookson, we like to help customers choose the product that will be the best (and most hassle-free) for them, so we’ve outlined a few of our options below:

• Counter shutters offer a standard level of protection for retail and medical facilities, especially in spaces with little  space, such as pharmacy counters. They are a compact and aesthetically pleasing option with interlocking slats of formed steel, aluminum, or stainless steel that can be customized in size or with specific designs. Counter shutters can also be visibly hidden when not in use. Another benefit is that counter shutters and doors can be used with an emergency drop function, which immediately closes off and separates the area after a button is pressed or an alarm is activated. 

• Insulated rolling doors can also be a good choice for your pharmacy or medical facility to safeguard the vaccine and any other sensitive drug items. They can also include additional security measures with integrated finger print-, eye-, or RFID scanners.

• Defender Series and EntryDefender^® Doors - As the only rolling door in the U.S. that meets the U.S. Department of State Standard for forced entry SD-STD-01.01 for 5, 15, and 60 minutes, you can rely on the knowledge that your facility and contents are secure. EntryDefender^® can absorb persistent, violent attacks because of its robust steel curtain, featuring interlocking slats that compress when in the closed position. These slats create a smooth surface and reduce potential pry points while under attack. Meant to be beaten and bruised, EntryDefender^® has a higher profile bottom bar than other doors to deter lifting and prying attempts, along with rivets along the top to prevent it from winding up on itself.

With the dual threat of forced entry and riot events in a tumultuous 2020 and what has already been a turbulent beginning to 2021, securing your facility with defensive products to reduce break-in risks is key. Combined with the importance and significance of the COVID-19 vaccine, you’ll want to be sure the products you choose and ways you secure your shipment are up to task. As we prepare for phases 1b and 1c of the COVID-19 vaccine across the country, having a plan for the protection of the shipments means more vaccines can be administered, helping to reduce risk and cases of COVID-19.

To learn more about the products mentioned above, contact us at 833.958.1273. 

Cornell is the industry leader for rolling door, security grille and closure product experts since 1828. To inquire how Cornell's long history of innovation and customer service can help you with your next rolling door project, call 833.958.1273.

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