The Pfizer vaccine has so far demonstrated an effectiveness rate of 95 percent.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Health regulations in Australia say that Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine can now be stored at normal temperature in the refrigerator for two weeks on the way. It was also stated that the vaccine made by Pfizer can be stored in the normal refrigerator for five days.
Previously, the vaccine made in the United States had to be stored in very very cold temperatures, between -90 to -60 degrees Celsius. This is a challenge in shipping to various countries, including Australia.
“This change will provide greater flexibility in storage, transport and gift the Pfizer vaccine across Australia, “said the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), when it approved the changes.
On the same day, Australian health authorities also determined that the Pfizer vaccine would be the main choice compared to the AstraZeneca vaccine for a large number of people in Australia. Australia has received assurance that it will receive an additional 20 million doses of Pfizer vaccine after the Australian Government changes their vaccination plans.
MRNA technology at Pfizer
The Pfizer vaccine has so far shown a 95 percent effectiveness rate in preventing transmission of the COVID-19 virus. The vaccine uses mRNA technology that trains the immune system to detect SARS-CoV-2, or the virus that causes COVID-19 and fight transmission.
mRNA is particularly vulnerable, which is why health authorities have previously said vaccines should be stored in extremely cold temperatures.
But in February, Pfizer submitted new data to the Food and Drug Administration in the United States (FDA). The data showed the vaccine remained in stable condition for several days at higher temperatures.
United States regulators then allowed the frozen vaccine to be shipped and stored in temperatures between -25 and -15 Celsius.
In March, the European Union Health Regulatory Body also followed suit and approved the freezing of the Pfizer vaccine.
Pfizer Rules in Australia
This change means that the Pfizer vaccine that has not been opened at all in Australia can later be stored at -25 and -15 Celsius for two weeks. The unopened vaccine can also be stored for five days in a regular refrigerator with a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius.
Before being injected, the Pfizer vaccine is mixed with salt water. The TGA said the saline-mixed vaccines, whether they are still stored in vials or in syringes, can be stored or transferred at room temperature to 30 degrees Celsius for up to six hours.
source: https://www.abc.net.au/indonesian/2021-04-12/vaksin-pfizer-hanya-perlu-disimpan-di-kulkas/100063144
source: ABC
– .
