Close X
Tuesday, November 26, 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

No free transit on New Year's Eve: Translink

No free transit on New Year's Eve: Translink
TransLink will also not be running extended hours and will instead operate on normal weekday service schedules.

No free transit on New Year's Eve: Translink

Vancouver has its 19th homicide of the year

Vancouver has its 19th homicide of the year
A 27-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday evening and is in custody. The investigation is ongoing.

Vancouver has its 19th homicide of the year

Champagne keen to work with Biden administration

Champagne keen to work with Biden administration
Champagne, who did an unusual amount of jet-setting during the pandemic this past year, says he wants to kick off 2021 with a post-inauguration visit to Washington to connect with Antony Blinken, Biden's nominee for secretary of state.

Champagne keen to work with Biden administration

Natural gas rates are going up next year meaning some British Columbians will pay more

Natural gas rates are going up next year meaning some British Columbians will pay more
“There are a number of items that make up an energy bill, including the costs to store, transport and deliver energy, which have all increased,” explained Diane Roy, vice-president of regulatory affairs with FortisBC”. 

Natural gas rates are going up next year meaning some British Columbians will pay more

Woman struck and killed by runaway cargo vehicle in Surrey identified as Paramjit Masutta

Woman struck and killed by runaway cargo vehicle in Surrey identified as Paramjit Masutta
She has been identified as 48 year old Paramjit Masutta, a mother of two girls. She saved their lives by pushing them to the side to safety but sacrificed her own. Her children are heartbroken and still can't make sense of what has happened to their mother. 

Woman struck and killed by runaway cargo vehicle in Surrey identified as Paramjit Masutta

NDP MP decries 'race-baiting' by Erin O'Toole

NDP MP decries 'race-baiting' by Erin O'Toole
Angus told reporters Wednesday it is "false" and "very concerning" to suggest that education was the prime goal of the school system, of which Ryerson University namesake Egerton Ryerson was a key architect.

NDP MP decries 'race-baiting' by Erin O'Toole