Top Considerations in Securing the Covid-19 Vaccine

As we come closer to the end of the year, good news has arrived. One or several vaccines will be available for distribution by the middle or end of December. The first to be available will most likely be the Pfizer vaccine. State distribution plans call for healthcare workers, EMS, Police, and Fire to be at the top of the immunization list. Since the initial doses will go to healthcare workers and because the Pfizer vaccine requires special care, needing sub-zero temperature storage, the logical place for distribution, at least initially, will be hospitals.

This brings several security challenges to the hospitals. First, will be securing the storage site. It has been recommended that access control and CCTV be the primary technology used for this engagement. I would agree but I need to emphasize that target hardening should be the focus for protection in this case. The highest priority is to make sure the vaccine is not stolen or compromised rather than reviewing video or the access control database to see who took it after the fact. By the time the perpetrator is located the vaccine could be gone or spoiled.

The Pharmacy is the most likely place where the vaccine will be stored. Most hospital pharmacies are considered high risk or a security sensitive area. Which means that physical security measures are already in place. Cameras, access control and burglar alarm systems are common security measures used in securing Pharmacy areas. These systems are effective in identifying persons who enter the Pharmacy, but not necessarily effective in stopping unauthorized access and stopping access to drugs and other property.

Time is short for re-assessment of increased security measures for the Pharmacy and other potential vaccine storage areas. Re-assessment begins with the existing security systems. They need to be inspected to ensure they are working properly and will provide effective protection. This means:

• Reviewing card access privileges
• Ensure CCTV systems are recording
• Ensure recording frames rates will allow for a detailed review
• Review key distribution to see who has access or can use a key to override any card access door
• Make sure magnetic locks or strikes are fail secure
• Review electrical power for all security technology to make sure it is on emergency power

To ensure the vaccines are target hardened, check:

• All doors to make sure they lock properly
• For gaps between the door and frame at the lockset
• Window and other access points to ensure they are closed and locked
• Above the ceilings to make sure that walls reach to the slab above
• Make sure dead bolts reach all the way into the door frame

Lastly, make sure refrigerators and storage cabinets are bolted to the floor or wall. Locks on the refrigerators and cabinets work properly. Consider installing secondary locks to refrigerators and cabinets along with alarm contacts for added security.

In addition to the vaccine location, consideration should be given to the perimeter of the hospital. Increase security and surveillance should be considered as part of the re-assessment. No one can be sure how people will react once the immunization process starts. During the pandemic we have seen evidence of fanatics trying to break into hospital to expose the Covid hoax. There have been three reported incidents of potential bombings in hospitals related to Covid-19. Media may want to see how the process is working and try to sneak into the hospital to take photos or video. With all this in mind, consideration should be given to target hardening the exterior of the hospital as well. Making sure:

• Exit doors are locked and lock correctly after use
• Windows and other access points are secured
• Screening all persons entering the hospital is conducted
• To provide additional exterior and interior patrols
• To utilize armed security officers or off-duty police as a visual deterrence

The interior of the hospital, especially the route from any entry point to the vaccine location should be evaluated as well. Access control points should be reassessed and reviewed to ensure they are working properly. Signage to vaccine storage areas should be temporarily removed. Doors leading to the Pharmacy should be locked, if they are not.

The re-assessment of security measures in preparation for vaccine delivery should be conducted ASAP. The vaccine is coming, and proper security is a must. Current security processes may not be effective in securing a high value item like the vaccine and I am sure that no hospital wants to be on the front page discussing how vaccines were lost or stolen.

Our resource page may have some answers on starting the process. If you need some assistance figuring it all out and would like to discuss options for securing the vaccine let me know, I have resources and expertise that can assist.