Close X
Sunday, November 24, 2024
ADVT 
National

Pfizer says vaccine safe in normal freezers

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 19 Feb, 2021 07:36 PM
  • Pfizer says vaccine safe in normal freezers

Pfizer and BioNTech say their COVID-19 vaccine can now safely be stored in regular freezers for up to two weeks, potentially easing some of the difficulty getting the vaccine distributed outside of major cities.

Pfizer's vaccine has been the trickiest to handle because until now the companies said it had to be kept frozen between -60C and -80C until shortly before it is thawed and injected.

The companies asked the United States to adjust the vaccine's emergency-use authorization to note the temperature change Friday and a Canadian spokeswoman says they intend to ask Health Canada to do so in the next few weeks.

Health Minister Patty Hajdu says Health Canada regulators are already in talks with the companies about the matter and will be ready to make a decision when the request comes.

Canada bought dozens of ultracold freezers to help provinces properly store the Pfizer vaccine and chose not to use this vaccine for the territories or other remote locations because of the freezer requirements.

In documents filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Pfizer and BioNTech say further testing shows the vaccine can remain stable for up to two weeks in temperatures between -15C and -25C, which is typical of more common freezers, including those used in pharmacies and medical clinics.

MORE National ARTICLES

Abbotsford Police are looking for witnesses for home invasion on Adelaide Street

Abbotsford Police are looking for witnesses for home invasion on Adelaide Street
The suspects forced their way into the basement suite and tied up one female. The suspects then proceeded upstairs, bear-sprayed the other occupants and demanded money.

Abbotsford Police are looking for witnesses for home invasion on Adelaide Street

Canadian Sikhs worry for families in India

Canadian Sikhs worry for families in India
The 25-year-old from Sudbury, Ont., says concern for his father — who farms cotton, wheat and sugar cane in India's northern Punjab state — started in September.

Canadian Sikhs worry for families in India

Feds waive one-week wait for EI benefits

Feds waive one-week wait for EI benefits
The rules are set to be in place until Sept. 25, which is when a slew of temporary EI measures and three so-called recovery benefits are scheduled to expire.

Feds waive one-week wait for EI benefits

$11M taken in alleged fraud not recovered: Crown

$11M taken in alleged fraud not recovered: Crown
Madan's wife and children have said in sworn affidavits they knew nothing of his purported wrongdoing, saying they were victims and that his alleged actions were totally out of character.

$11M taken in alleged fraud not recovered: Crown

Judge won't relax Meng bail conditions

Judge won't relax Meng bail conditions
Meng is wanted in the United States on fraud charges based on allegations both she and the company deny.

Judge won't relax Meng bail conditions

PM announces mandatory hotel quarantine for travel

PM announces mandatory hotel quarantine for travel
Trudeau said all returning Canadians will quarantine in an approved hotel for three days at their own expense while they await results of a COVID-19 test taken at the airport.

PM announces mandatory hotel quarantine for travel