Storing vaccine appropriately
Effective process control is essential to ensure that vaccines are stored correctly and new expiry dates and times are allocated.
Storage prior to dilution
COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer-BioNTech may be stored for up to 31 days between 2ºC and 8ºC, followed by an additional 2 hours at room temperature.
Storage subsequent to dilution
After dilution the vaccine should be used as soon as practically possible and within 6 hours.
Effective process control is essential to ensure that vaccines are stored correctly and new expiry dates/times are allocated with further Information and guidance specific to COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer-BioNTech available to support this.
Handling and preparing vaccine
Handling
Delivery of vaccine to supply hubs will be at Ultra Low Temperature (ULT) where vaccine should be labelled with a 31-days shelf-life and transferred to a dedicated fridge for thawing.
- Onward supply to school vaccination sites or teams will be at 2-8C in coolboxes in response to orders/requisitions to the hub..
- The exact number of vials ordered by end users should be packed securely in a coolbox immediately before onward supply.
- Packing down of quantities less than an original pack of 195 vials for stock to be stored in anticipation of orders should NOT occur.
Dilution
The COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer BioNTech is a multi-dose vial containing a concentrate. It must be further diluted with preservative free sodium chloride 0.9% before being withdrawn into syringes for administration.
- Robust systems are required to prevent inadvertent administration of the concentrate vaccine.
- Ensure vials of concentrate are effectively segregated from diluted vials.
- Only one vial of vaccine should be in use at any one time.
Full process
Pfizer has produced a training video which shows the correct handling and preparation of the COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer-BioNTech. SPS has also produced a training video for further support.
Each step of the process described changes the vaccine characteristics that will require a change in the shelf life. This requires diligent process control to ensure the vaccine is safe and effective at the point of use.
Handling process for Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine immediately before and during a vaccination session
SOPs, work instructions and checklists to adapt
Receiving of frozen Comirnaty concentrate for adults and adolescents in ultra-low temperature freezers in Trusts
Unpacking and storing frozen Comirnaty concentrate for adults and adolescents in ultra-low temperature freezers in Trusts
Unpacking of frozen Comirnaty concentrate for adults and adolescents and transfer to fridges to thaw in Trusts without freezers
Moving Comirnaty concentrate for adults and adolescents from an ULT freezer into a fridge to thaw in Trusts
Handling Dry Ice and Vapour Phase Nitrogen Shippers – Advice for Hospital Pharmacies
Preparing Comirnaty Adult and Adolescent Syringes for Administration at PCN designated sites
Stocktaking and reconciliation of both Comirnaty Concentrate Vaccines at PCN Designated Sites
Disposing of both Comirnaty Concentrate Vaccines at PCN Designated Sites
Dealing with spillages and breakages of both Comirnaty concentrate vaccines at PCN Designated Sites
Transporting Comirnaty Adult and Adolescent from PCN Designated Sites to end user location
Preparing Comirnaty Adult and Adolescent Syringes for Administration at end user locations
Change history
- Reviewed: no change
- Reviewed, unchanged
- Reviewed and confirmed up to date
- Published