The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine can now be stored at normal refrigerator temperatures for up to 31 days, Health Canada said in a press release Wednesday.
The vaccine was first authorized with a recommended storage temperature of between -80 C and -60 C. Once thawed, vaccine vials could only be stored in a refrigerator for up to five days. This change significantly extends the length of time the vaccine can be stored in a normal refrigerator, meaning that facilities lacking deep freezers are able to keep the vaccine for longer.
“This change means that there will be more storage options available for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which will allow for more flexibility in distribution plans,” reads the release.
This change follows a similar recommendation from the European Medicines Agency on Monday.
More to come.
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