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

Vancouver-area schools low risk for COVID-19: data

Vancouver-area schools low risk for COVID-19: data
Since schools reopened in September, Vancouver Coastal Health says it hasn't recorded a significant increase in COVID-19 cases among children aged five to 17.

Vancouver-area schools low risk for COVID-19: data

Vaccine 'ramp up' phase to start in April: Fortin

Vaccine 'ramp up' phase to start in April: Fortin
That will leave 2.7 million doses to be delivered in March to get to the six million doses the companies have promised to ship to Canada before the end of that month.

Vaccine 'ramp up' phase to start in April: Fortin

B.C. seeking legal advice on limiting travel

B.C. seeking legal advice on limiting travel
Premier John Horgan says there is concern about people coming from other provinces or territories and spreading COVID-19.

B.C. seeking legal advice on limiting travel

Killer, mom of two Kelly Ellard maintains parole

Killer, mom of two Kelly Ellard maintains parole
The Parole Board of Canada has released its ruling on Kelly Ellard, who now goes by the name of Kerry Sim.

Killer, mom of two Kelly Ellard maintains parole

Union fighting tax ruling on Phoenix damages

Union fighting tax ruling on Phoenix damages
The agreement would see workers paid up to $2,500 in general damages for four years of pay problems including delays, overpayments, underpayments or lack of pay.

Union fighting tax ruling on Phoenix damages

PBO: Stock-option tax change to net $144M in 2033

PBO: Stock-option tax change to net $144M in 2033
The Liberals banked $55 million in new revenues from the proposed rules in the November fall economic statement, but not until 2025 at the earliest.

PBO: Stock-option tax change to net $144M in 2033