Wealthier countries, such as the U.S., France and Germany, have invested billions into developing the vaccines, but little investment has gone into syringe manufacturing, according to the Times.
New Jersey-based Becton, Dickinson and Co., the world’s largest manufacturer of syringes, told the Times it is producing 2,000 syringes each minute to meet orders of more than a billion.
But not just any syringe can be used to give COVID-19 vaccines. For the Pfizer vaccine, a special syringe is needed to extract an extra dose from the vials. UNICEF said syringes need to be smaller than usual and break if used a second time to prevent spreading disease through reuse, according to the Times.
Brazil also restricted exports of syringes and needles in January because it hadn’t secured enough for its citizens, the Times reported.
Read the full article here.
More articles on supply chain:
Medtronic recalls heart pump device after 2 patient deaths
Medical devicemakers warned against use of misleading labels suggesting FDA approval
Ascension, Cedars-Sinai, 8 more health systems and hospitals seeking supply chain talent
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
