The European Union’s (EU) drug regulator says the Pfizer vaccine against corona can now be stored in refrigerators much longer than previously thought.
The European Pharmaceutical Agency (EMA) has stated that an unopened vaccine can be refrigerated for up to a month when the frozen vaccine is completely melted. Earlier, five days was allotted for such storage.
Excessive storage of the vaccine is expected to have a significant impact on the vaccination programs of EU member states. Previously, storage standards made it difficult to use the Pfizer vaccine in some parts of the world.
In February, the United States improved the storage and transportation standards for the vaccine, which could be refrigerated at minus 15 to minus 25 degrees Celsius for up to two weeks. Initially it was considered necessary to store it at minus 80 to minus 60 degrees Celsius.
Earlier this month, Canada approved the Pfizer vaccine for children between the ages of 12 and 15.