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

Most outages restored following B.C. windstorm

Most outages restored following B.C. windstorm
The Crown utility said electricity was flowing again for 97 per cent of its customers and was expected to be restored to the remainder by the end of Thursday.

Most outages restored following B.C. windstorm

Suspect involved in a pepper spray, road rage incident

Suspect involved in a pepper spray, road rage incident
The suspect then fled at a high rate of speed in a white Ford F150. The victims believe the incident stemmed from a lane change earlier in the day, which escalated to this act of road rage.

Suspect involved in a pepper spray, road rage incident

Series of break and enters results in jewellery, handbags, electronics being recovered

Series of break and enters results in jewellery, handbags, electronics being recovered
A search warrant led to the recovery of hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal property, including jewellery, electronics, expensive handbags and purses amongst other items.

Series of break and enters results in jewellery, handbags, electronics being recovered

Senior pushed to the ground outside downtown shelter: Vancouver Police

Senior pushed to the ground outside downtown shelter: Vancouver Police
Staff called police when they witnessed a 43-year-old man push the senior to the ground and walk away.

Senior pushed to the ground outside downtown shelter: Vancouver Police

Review underway after doctors jump vaccine queue

Review underway after doctors jump vaccine queue
Dix says the broader segment of the population, beyond those who are most vulnerable, can expect to be immunized as of April when B.C. is scheduled to get about 2.6 million doses of vaccine.

Review underway after doctors jump vaccine queue

Judge to reserve decision on Meng Wanzhou bail

Judge to reserve decision on Meng Wanzhou bail
The chief financial officer for Huawei is wanted in the United States on fraud charges based on allegations that both she and the company deny.

Judge to reserve decision on Meng Wanzhou bail