According to the European Union’s drugs regulator, the Pfizer Covid vaccine can now be stored at fridge temperature for up to a month. This is much longer than the previously recommended time of just five days.
One of the major drawbacks of the Pfizer jab is the need for transport and storage at very low temperatures. The previous storage requirements make it harder to use the vaccine in some parts of the world. However, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) now say that after thawing, unopened vials of the vaccines can be kept in the fridge for up to a month. This increased flexibility is likely to have a huge impact on the vaccine rollout across the EU.
The United States approved storage and transport of the Pfizer vaccine for up to two weeks at freezer temperatures between -15 and -25C. This is opposed to the usual requirement of between -80 to -60C.
Earlier this month Canada became the first country to authorise the vaccine for children aged between 12 and 15.
People urged to take vaccine
Meanwhile, ministers in the UK are urging people to book their Covid vaccination as soon as it is offered. This step comes amid increasing concern about the spread and risk of the Indian variant.
As lockdown restrictions eased, Matt Hancock announced that 86 local councils have five or more cases of the variant. The government now warns its next review of social distancing guidelines could be delayed due to the rising number of infections.
Contingency plans for local lockdowns are currently in consideration if the variant cannot be brought under control. The next stage of the roadmap out of lockdown is due on 21 June, when all limits on social contact would end. These plans are now in jeopardy, and the government “don’t want to rule anything out”.
Ahead of this, there should be a review by the end of May. But the prime minister’s official spokesman warns that the Indian variant “could pose a threat to this process”. The government base their decision on the “latest data”.
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