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Simplifying the vaccination process using IoT

Arjun / 01 Apr 2022 / IOT Industry | IOT AI

The introduction of vaccines has been a breakthrough in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. With the introduction of vaccines, governments are gearing into action to get the population vaccinated as soon as possible. This is a mammoth exercise as many factors have to be coordinated to maintain public safety as well as those of the healthcare workers. The supply chain of the vaccines must also be maintained efficiently. 


The power of IoT technology, analytics of data, and AI technology can be harnessed to facilitate the vaccination process. Several IoT career opportunities will arise in the fields of data analytics and AI technology.

 

IoT systems and vaccination clinics

AI and Vision-enabled devices can help in studying traffic patterns at walk-in clinics. With the analytics of vision data, it is possible to ensure that social distancing protocols are adhered to. Clinic authorities can gauge the volume of patients in real-time. Patients waiting after the vaccination can be remotely monitored for any signs of reaction. On-site registration and guiding of patients at the vaccination centers can be seamless and contactless with the help of sensor-aided devices.

 

Vaccination centers, health clinics, and hospitals can use mobile apps that offer a dashboard to track registrations and allot dates and time slots. With real-time information on when the vaccines will be delivered, clinicians and healthcare workers can track their daily vaccine requirements. 

 

IoT technology and the vaccination supply chain

The greatest challenge in this fight against COVID-19 is to provide vaccination to all regions. Another critical parameter is to not allow any wastage. The vaccines must be stored at optimal temperatures during storage and transportation. When it's let out of cold storage for too long, they deteriorate. With IoT sensors, the temperature of the carrier vehicles can be monitored in real-time. Sensors that monitor humidity, light, and temperature can assist in the monitoring of vaccines.

 

The vaccine supply chain can be ably supported with IoT platforms and analytics of its data to improve and optimize operations. IoT systems can help in overcoming problems in warehouses and distribution centers. With RFID and other tracking systems, transportation routes for the vaccine supply chain can be optimally chalked out. Any disruptions and impediments will raise alerts that can be immediately attended to.


The use of barcodes in vaccine batches can help in tracing the distribution networks. With optimal use of IoT sensors and IoT data analytics, a close watch can be kept on the safe disposal of syringes and vaccine vials. This can go a long way in preventing wastage, spoilage, and theft. 

 

The analysis of vaccination data

Monitoring of vaccine data is very crucial. This can encompass data related to vaccine numbers, usage, wastage, spoilage, and administered numbers. The data of people who have been vaccinated is also vital to understanding the age groups that have been covered and the reactions if any. 


With data analysis of the vaccination information, it is possible to understand the demographics of the population that has already been vaccinated. It helps in better distribution based on the regions that have not yet been covered adequately. 

 

Conclusion

IoT applications can be harnessed to good use in the vaccine program implementation, smooth functioning, and data monitoring. This humongous vaccination exercise depends heavily on the data that is collected and analyzed to provide insights into regional and demographic vaccination programs. 


IoT systems provide end-to-end visibility of the vaccination supply chain; be it during shipment and storage or any disruptions. Several IoT jobs would help in the analysis of this vast amount of data so that critical insights are derived from it to help the global fight against the pandemic.