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

Canada says refugee COVID-19 vaccines offer hope

Canada says refugee COVID-19 vaccines offer hope
Since the pandemic, Canada has committed more than $1 billion to international efforts to buy vaccine doses for low- and middle-income countries.

Canada says refugee COVID-19 vaccines offer hope

Pfizer delaying vaccine deliveries to Canada

Pfizer delaying vaccine deliveries to Canada
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Ottawa was "working day in and day out to get vaccines delivered as quickly as possible" but acknowledged that Pfizer-BioNTech doses have been derailed in the short-term.

Pfizer delaying vaccine deliveries to Canada

B.C. has one case of South African COVID strain

B.C. has one case of South African COVID strain
Dr. Bonnie Henry says the person who contracted the South African variant had not travelled or had contact with anyone who did.

B.C. has one case of South African COVID strain

$2,300.00 fine issued after late night gathering at a business in West Vancouver

$2,300.00 fine issued after late night gathering at a business in West Vancouver
“We all have a responsibility to avoid unnecessary gatherings in order to slow the spread of Covid-19.” The 40-year-old host was issued a $2,300.00 fine for “Contravention of the Gatherings and Events Order.”

$2,300.00 fine issued after late night gathering at a business in West Vancouver

Syrian refugees mark fifth anniversary virtually

Syrian refugees mark fifth anniversary virtually
Khatib says she was sad the celebration wouldn't happen in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Syrian refugees mark fifth anniversary virtually

Illness defence relies on accused's word: Crown

Illness defence relies on accused's word: Crown
Gabriel Klein was convicted of second-degree murder and aggravated assault in March for the 2016 attack that killed 13-year-old Letisha Reimer and injured her friend.

Illness defence relies on accused's word: Crown