Two Atlanta startups partnered to create a way to track the vaccine using blockchain technology, which they hope will ensure equitable and safe distribution.
CargoChain and FileVision created VaxTracks, a platform that provides “an immutable chain of custody” for each Covid-19 vaccine distributed, according to its website. The platform is set to launch this month.
The cloud-based VaxTracks platform uses blockchain technology to track the vaccine through the supply chain. Whenever the vaccine changes hands, that custody data is recorded in a “block” that cannot be edited. When a person scans the vaccine barcode, they can verify its authenticity and check whether it has been handled correctly.
Ideally, VaxTracks would be deployed at the manufacturer level, CargoChain CEO Jonathan Colehower said, which would allow the vaccine to be traced throughout the supply chain. However, Colehower said the VaxTracks platform can start at any point in the supply chain.
For example, local governments could adopt VaxTracks once they receive their distribution of the vaccine. VaxTracks would record the information from each vaccine’s barcode, creating the first data “block.” The platform would then track each subsequent move of the vaccine, such as how and where it was shipped.
CargoChain, a spinoff of New Zealand logistics company that moved to Atlanta about a year ago, specializes in blockchain technology for supply chain tracing. Colehower said security of blockchain data is especially beneficial for valuable materials or those at risk of being counterfeited, making the Covid-19 vaccine a good fit for blockchain tracking.
"The vaccine is in high demand and short supply,” Colehower said. “People are going to counterfeit, and providers need to know for sure when they scan that barcode that it’s legitimate.”
FileVision, a document and workflow management company, is working on the implementation side of VaxTracks.
Clay Hiott, FileVision’s director of professional services, said the company is working with governments in Colorado, Oregon, Washington, North Carolina and Florida and areas in the Middle East that are interested in adopting the platform.
In addition to verifying the authenticity of the vaccine, Hiott said VaxTracks can hold government accountable in terms of equitable distribution.
"We wanted to give some assuredness that it’s being distributed properly,” Hiott said. “And if it’s not being distributed equitably, to be able to call government officials out on that. That was a big interest to me. Just being part of the Atlanta climate and the current climate in general, that’s a huge deal.”
Because vaccine distribution works on a global supply chain, Hoitt said the biggest challenge for VaxTracks has been figuring out a starting point in terms of where to target initial sales.
VaxTracks also has the capability to give each person a personal QR code, which they can show when they’re going to receive their vaccine. The provider can match that QR code with a specific vaccine dose, which is recorded in the platform.
VaxTracks can then notify the person when they need to get their second dose and ensures that dose is from the right vaccine manufacturer. Then, that same QR code could be used as a “health pass” for that person to show airlines or other companies that they are vaccinated, rather than using an easily forged paper slip, Colehower said.
Colehower said the development of the platform started in late fall and continued through the holidays to meet this launch date.
