Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine shelf-life extended from 5 to 31 days, says MHRA
Change approved following detailed review of additional stability data
New storage conditions for the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, that extend the length of time the thawed vaccine can be stored at normal fridge temperatures from 5 days to 31 days, have today been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which was the first COVID-19 vaccine to be approved by the UK regulator, must be stored at ultra-low temperatures until use. The changes, that extend the shelf-life once thawed, are therefore expected to make storage easier and possible for a wider range of health facilities.
The change was approved following the MHRA바카라 사이트™s detailed review of additional stability data submitted to the regulator by Pfizer.
Dr June Raine, MHRA Chief Executive, said:
We are pleased to confirm that, having rigorously assessed the additional data submitted to us by the company, we have now approved more flexible storage conditions for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
Up until now, the Pfizer vaccine had to be administered within 5 days of being removed from ultra-low temperature freezers.
Now that the jab can be stored at normal fridge temperatures for up to 31 days, it can be used in a wider range of healthcare settings, giving patients greater access to the Pfizer vaccine.
Background
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- See our 2 December 2020 press release on the approval of the vaccine
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