Pfizer Vaccine Can Now Be Stored Longer at Refrigerator Temperature

The US Food and Drug Administration has authorized the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to be stored for up to 1 month at normal refrigerator temperatures.

The announcement came after Pfizer, Inc. submitted data to demonstrate that the undiluted, thawed vials of the coronavirus vaccine are stable at refrigerator temperatures or 2°C to 8°C (35°F to 46°F) for up to one month.

This is a much longer time than the previously allowed refrigerator storage time for undiluted, thawed vials which is 120 hours or 5 days, based on the vaccine’s Emergency Use Authorization.

FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Director Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D. says that this change should make this vaccine more widely available to the American public by facilitating the ability of vaccine providers, such as community doctors’ offices, to receive, store and administer the vaccine.

“Making COVID-19 vaccines widely available is key to getting people vaccinated and bringing the pandemic to an end,” Marks added.

SOURCE: FDA