

As the world finds itself swinging in and out of lockdowns and restrictions, news of the arrival of three COVID-19 vaccines in quick succession has created a sense of optimism in the fight against the pandemic. However, from a global health perspective, the efforts against COVID-19 have only just shifted into a new gear. Even before the vaccines begin to arrive in ports around the world, the focus will shift to the preparedness of in-country logistics, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) and to their health systems' ability to deploy and administer the vaccine to their populations. Any weaknesses in health system readiness – in vaccine distribution, storage, refrigeration, prioritization or delivery – will need to be quickly dealt with at an unprecedented speed before any effective immunization campaign can begin.