Innovative vaccine packaging technologies: Perspectives on benefits and challenges of compact prefilled auto-disable devices and polymer containers

Abstract

Vaccine packaging innovations have a potential impact on the supply chain, as well as acceptability and uptake by users. To better understand recent developments in packaging innovations, we assessed the benefits and challenges of compact pre-filled auto-disable devices (CPADs), polymer-based primary containers (or vials), and dual-chamber delivery devices. These packaging innovations have clear public health benefits related to ease of use, improved safety, supply logistics, and uptake enabling new vaccination opportunities. In addition, there seems to be high acceptability from users at country-level. However, uncertain costs including the impact on distribution and cold chain storage have hampered demand and consequently commercialization. For innovations to reach those who can benefit most, global stakeholders should place greater attention on new packaging technologies and assess the trade-offs between safety, coverage, uptake, ease of administration, wastage and costs.