Close X
Friday, November 1, 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

Lottery CEO 'blown away' by organized crime threat

Lottery CEO 'blown away' by organized crime threat
Jim Lightbody told the public inquiry into money laundering that the information he received from the RCMP was a "pivotal moment" that left him "blown away."

Lottery CEO 'blown away' by organized crime threat

Two males in Dodge pickup impersonating police officers: Langley RCMP

Two males in Dodge pickup impersonating police officers: Langley RCMP
The vehicle stopped for police on 222nd Street. Both occupants were arrested and the alternating blue / red light was found on the front window of the truck.

Two males in Dodge pickup impersonating police officers: Langley RCMP

Avalanche warning for slopes on B.C.'s South Coast

Avalanche warning for slopes on B.C.'s South Coast
The forecaster says the snowpack in the area is highly unusual, with a buried weak layer not normally found in the warmer climate.

Avalanche warning for slopes on B.C.'s South Coast

Court OKs abuse of process argument for killers

Court OKs abuse of process argument for killers
The British Columbia Court of Appeal has upheld the first-degree murder verdicts for Matthew Johnston and Cody Haevischer in the so-called Surrey Six killings in October 2007.

Court OKs abuse of process argument for killers

Higher dose count factored into Pfizer's shipments

Higher dose count factored into Pfizer's shipments
Canada has some existing supply of the special syringes needed to do so and two million of a recent order for 37.5 million of them are to arrive in Canada starting Feb. 4.

Higher dose count factored into Pfizer's shipments

Help further mischief investigation: Surrey RCMP

Help further mischief investigation: Surrey RCMP
Shortly before 1 p.m. on January 25, 2021, Surrey RCMP received a report of graffiti spray-painted along the gym and courtyard at a school located in the 1700-block of 148 Street.

Help further mischief investigation: Surrey RCMP