Close X
Monday, November 4, 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

Lululemon Q3 profits grow to US$143.6 million

Lululemon Q3 profits grow to US$143.6 million
The Vancouver-based clothing retailer, which reports in U.S. dollars, earned $1.10 per diluted share for the three months ended Nov. 1, up from 96 cents per share or $126 million a year earlier.

Lululemon Q3 profits grow to US$143.6 million

CBSA didn't probe how Meng's passcodes were shared

CBSA didn't probe how Meng's passcodes were shared
The B.C. Supreme Court has heard that passcodes to Meng's phones were collected during the exam and were "accidentally" shared when RCMP took possession of her electronics during the arrest.

CBSA didn't probe how Meng's passcodes were shared

Abbotsford masseur arrested for alleged assault

Abbotsford masseur arrested for alleged assault
The Abbotsford Police Department Major Crime Unit detectives identified and arrested 56-year-old, Reinhard “Bud” Loewen,

Abbotsford masseur arrested for alleged assault

MLA introduces bill to cap fees charged to restaurants by delivery services at 15%

MLA introduces bill to cap fees charged to restaurants by delivery services at 15%
If passed, the bill would regulate a cap on fees charged to restaurants by third-party delivery services. Currently, these services charge as much as 30 per cent of the total cost of orders.

MLA introduces bill to cap fees charged to restaurants by delivery services at 15%

Brits fear 'damage' if Canada delays trade deal

Brits fear 'damage' if Canada delays trade deal
British trade officials say they are concerned the delay will inflict "damage and destruction" on businesses, and they blame the situation on Canadian politicians who they say can't set aside their partisan differences.

Brits fear 'damage' if Canada delays trade deal

Health workers report burnout amid second wave

Health workers report burnout amid second wave
Gabiniewicz once worked with the woman, a "vibrant" former health worker in her 70s, who told her she had never been hospitalized in her life and that the COVID-19 infection took her by surprise.

Health workers report burnout amid second wave