When discussing the logistics of vaccines and antisera we need to consider several different aspects. The logistical side of national immunization efforts can be broadly split into the level of application and the area of influence. The latter can be further separated into the “National Level” and the “Provincial Level”. There are different operational procedures and monitoring standards for these levels. The operational procedures of immunization can be categorized into subgroups as listed below;

•Planning and Supply
•Storage and Distribution
•Cold Chain, Monitoring, and Evaluation
•Vaccine Safety and Quality Management

Logistics management of cold chain materials such as vaccine, antiserum, syringes, and carrying container used in preventive health services in Turkey are carried out by the Vaccine/Antiserum Logistics Unit of the Department of Vaccine and Preventable Diseases of the General Directorate of Public Health (GDPH). 

GDPH has a cold storage capacity of 35,000 m3 in Ankara, the nation’s capital. Approximately 80 million vaccines and antisera are stored, distributed, and circulated annually within Turkey. GDPH operates 8 trucks and 2 semi-trailer trucks that are refrigerated and have the possibility of heating (at sub-zero temperatures during the winter) as well as cooling. 

The Circular on the The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) mandates a regular distribution schedule with distributions from the central warehouse in Ankara to 81 provinces at least every three months, ergo at least four times a year. In addition, the planning foresees air cargo flights in case of emergency medical requirements such as epidemic, migration, cross-border foreign assistance needs, and unexpected changes in consumption. Vaccine and antiserum shipments can be made in two directions either from the center to the provinces or from the provinces to the center, adjusted according to need. During the shipments, at least one health officer is assigned for each vehicle as the cold chain manager. Cold chain managers are responsible for the safety of the vaccine at every stage until the vaccine and antisera are delivered to the provinces from the central warehouse. The Ministry regards the successful execution of this work as one of the most important interventions in preserving the sensitivity of biological products. 

•As of 2007, there is at least one vaccine storage space in each province. 
•As of 2020, we have more than 360 read-to-use cold storage spaces.
•The maximum single shipment capacity from the center in Ankara to the 81 provinces is approximately 600 m3.
•The General Directorate has a fleet of over 220 vaccine transport vehicles with transport volumes of 1 m3, 8 m3, 13 m3, and 30 m3 throughout Turkey’s provinces. 

General Directorate of Public Health Vaccine and Medicine Warehouse Entrance