The Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine can be stored at fridge temperature for thirty-one days

Recently, guidance has been published by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, highlighting that the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine can be stored at fridge temperature for thirty-one days.

Previously, the vaccine must’ve been used within five days of being removed from the freezer and stored at significantly low temperatures until use.

The regulator stated these changes would make storage significantly easier and administration probable for an extensive range of health facilities.

Head of medicines optimisation at Sunderland CCG, Ewan Maule, stated: “Matching up the number of patients with the number of doses in order to prevent wastage but being able to fulfil appointments [has been] extremely challenging. As we have moved through the age groups, rates have increased, making the above even more difficult. This has resulted in significant administrative burden in managing backup lists and short notice appointment availability. We know that we will be vaccinating continuously throughout the summer and next winter, as a result of both the booster campaign and the need to control the Indian variant, which will rise as lockdown eases, so the greater flexibility this will offer in operational management [is] very welcome.”