IBM and Moderna announced plans Thursday to work together to identify technologies to track and share COVID-19 vaccine information.

The companies said their aim is to securely provide information sharing between government jurisdictions, healthcare providers and individuals.

"In doing so, Moderna and IBM seek to improve confidence in vaccine programs and increase rates of vaccination, thereby reducing community spread," a release from the companies said.

Moderna is one of several biotech companies worldwide that has developed a vaccine to provide immunity against COVID-19. Its two-dose mRNA vaccine is one of three vaccines approved for emergency use in the United States.

"If ever there was a time to rally around open technology and collaboration, it's now," said Jason Kelley, managing partner and global strategic alliances leader for IBM.

"As governments, pharmacy chains, healthcare providers and life sciences companies continue to scale and connect their tools, and as new players enter the supply chain, open technology can help drive more transparency and bolster trust, while helping to ensure accessibility and equity in the process."

A vaccine from Pfizer also uses mRNA in its formulation. The third, an adenovirus-based vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, was approved last weekend and distributors began delivering the shots nationwide this week.

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