COVID-19 vaccine distribution chain faced multiple challenges associated with the lack of producing capacity, security issues, and miscommunication between different actors. Blockchain technology has been shown to solve the security and miscommunication issues in other industries and this research paper attempts to analyze whether it could be used to solve the challenges faced by the vaccine distribution chain, in particular. The team first identified those challenges faced by the distribution chain stakeholders via literature review and primary interviews. We then presented how these challenges could theoretically be solved with blockchain and proposed a blockchain framework for the vaccine distribution chain. The team consulted a blockchain expert to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed framework. As a result of our research, we proposed a blockchain solution for the vaccine distribution chain which can minimize the circulation of counterfeit vaccines and vaccination records, improve communication between stakeholders in the distribution chain, maximize security of data and minimize the likelihood of a successful cyberattack, streamline the handling process of the vaccines in the provider’s facilities, help digitize the providers facilities to prevent storage unit malfunctions, and create a unified and secure database for medical records. The dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the evolving vaccine distribution chain means that future teams would need to conduct further research on stakeholders and the challenges they face to keep the solution up to date. Additionally, more work has to be completed by the blockchain and vaccine supply chain experts to design and implement a technical blockchain solution, which would be economically feasible and scalable.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Kamenivskyy, Yuriy
• Palisetti, Abhinav
• Hamze, Layal

Subject

• Innovation
• Health
• Project-Based Learning
• Well-Being
• Industry
• Community

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 38951
• E-project-101521-001351

Advisor

• Saberi, Sara

Year

• 2021

Sponsor

• Sara Saberi

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 3 - Good Health and Well-being
• 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

Date created

• 2021-10-15

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright