Pfizer Vaccine Can Be Stored in 'Standard Freezers' for 2 Weeks

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine 'Comirnaty' can now be stored and distributed in a regular freezer for up to two weeks instead of requiring ultra-low temperatures.

Today (24th), the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety added to the storage and distribution conditions in the approval details of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine that "unopened vials can be stored and transported at -25℃ to -15℃ for up to two weeks."

Previously, Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine was approved to be stored for six months at ultra-low temperatures between -90℃ and -60℃. However, it is now possible to store and ship the vaccine at higher temperatures for a certain period. By relaxing the standards, general pharmaceutical freezers in clinics and hospitals can be used for vaccine storage and distribution for up to two weeks.

Earlier, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approved on February 26th the storage and shipment of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine at regular freezer temperatures. Regarding the delay compared to the U.S., the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety explained that it was due to Pfizer Korea's application for approval changes and supplementary data. According to the Ministry, at the end of February when the U.S. changed the approval conditions, the vaccine's product approval was still under review domestically.

However, even after the approval change on the 16th of this month, the information was not publicly announced except on the Drug Safety Korea website, which caused a delayed awareness. In response, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety stated, "Approval or approval change details of pharmaceuticals are publicly disclosed through Drug Safety Korea (nedrug.mfds.go.kr). The Pfizer vaccine's changes on the 16th were also announced accordingly."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.