Close X
Saturday, November 2, 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

Surrey RCMP investigating shooting in the Newton neighborhood with ties to gang activity

Surrey RCMP investigating shooting in the Newton neighborhood with ties to gang activity
According to police there have been no injuries in this targeted incident. The public is not at risk. The investigation is in its early stages and suspects are still being identified.

Surrey RCMP investigating shooting in the Newton neighborhood with ties to gang activity

Applications slow B.C. COVID benefit website

Applications slow B.C. COVID benefit website
Some users have reported getting an error on the site when making their application for the benefit of up to $1,000.

Applications slow B.C. COVID benefit website

'No lessons' from China on two Michaels: Champagne

'No lessons' from China on two Michaels: Champagne
Champagne has led Canadian efforts to create a coalition that includes dozens of countries pushing China to release the two men, whom they say are being arbitrarily and unjustly imprisoned.

'No lessons' from China on two Michaels: Champagne

Feds to invest $9 billion in COVID treatments

Feds to invest $9 billion in COVID treatments
Trudeau says the investment through the National Research Council of Canada will be used to develop treatments to fight COVID-19 and other viral infections.

Feds to invest $9 billion in COVID treatments

WATCH: Surrey Hospitals Foundation Jane Adams Named One of Canada’s Most Powerful CEOs

WATCH: Surrey Hospitals Foundation Jane Adams Named One of Canada’s Most Powerful CEOs
The Surrey Hospitals Foundation President and CEO Jane Adams, has been honoured as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women CEOs. The award is through KPMG in the 2020 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards.

WATCH: Surrey Hospitals Foundation Jane Adams Named One of Canada’s Most Powerful CEOs

Surrey RCMP seize rifle in Guildford area and arrest a man on multiple warrants

Surrey RCMP seize rifle in Guildford area and arrest a man on multiple warrants
The man is known to police and was arrested for multiple outstanding arrest warrants related to fraud and personation offences committed in Ridge Meadows, Coquitlam, Delta and Mission.

Surrey RCMP seize rifle in Guildford area and arrest a man on multiple warrants