The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has announced that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine can be stored at fridge temperature for much longer than previously recommended, writes MedicalBrief. Once thawed, unopened vials could be kept in a normal fridge (2-8°C) for up to a month rather than the current limit of just five days.
"The change was approved following assessment of additional stability study data submitted to EMA by the marketing authorisation holder," the EMA said in a statement
The increased flexibility will have a significant impact on the vaccine roll-out across the EU and countries like South Africa.
In February, the United States approved storage and transport of the Pfizer vaccine at standard freezer temperatures of -15 to -25°C for up to two weeks, as opposed to between -80 to -60°C that it usually requires.
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/more-flexible-storage-conditions-biontechpfizers-covid-19-vaccine