Health Authorities across British Columbia will soon have access to specially-designed foam trays to help safely transport syringes of COVID-19 vaccines, created at Camosun College.

The applied research department at Camosun College – Camosun Innovates – designed and manufactured 200 trays for use by the BC Centre for Disease Control, in order to be used across the province for the safe transport of a pre-drawn, single dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

“Specially designed and manufactured foam trays keep syringes containing the vaccine absolutely stable and protected,” explains Matt Zeleny, Applied Research Technologist. “Camosun Innovates is pleased to continue helping the roll-out of the immunization program in any way possible, especially with so many people now looking forward to their booster shot.”

According to Camosun Innovates, once a COVID-19 vaccine vial is punctured it cannot be transported except in a syringe. These foam trays will help health officials transport up to seven syringes safely, stopping the doses from rolling around or the accidental depression of the plunger.

The foam trays are manufactured using a commercial-grade laser cutter located in the Babcock Interaction Lab on the college’s Interurban Campus.

“Typically, the trays will be used to get the COVID-19 vaccine to facilities where smaller quantities, or one-off doses, are needed in people’s homes,” adds Zeleny.

Camosun Innovates says it used chemically-resistant polyethylene closed-cell foam to design the trays and each one is sized out to fit inside the standard portable cooler used by public health.

Other Camosun Innovates projects have included medical-grade face shields and portable decontamination devices to support front-line health care professionals during the pandemic.