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Pfizer-BioNTech: Handling in Trusts and Vaccination Centres

Resources covering Pfizer-BioNTech pharmaceutical processes in Trusts, from initial ordering through to administration

Comirnaty brand vaccine · Note that the vaccine is now available in branded and unbranded packs

Comirnaty brand Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is now available with conditional marketing authorisation. Stocks of regulation 174 vaccine will dwindle concurrently with the licensed product becoming available. Read our article to find out more about the differences and ensure a safe transition.

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Handling in Trusts and Vaccination Centres
Resources underpinning pharmaceutical processes in Trusts and Vaccination Centres for all vaccines
Institutional Readiness for Managing COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer-BioNTech in Trusts
Must read guidance for Chief Pharmacists and others in Trusts on the COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer-BioNTech.
Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine: Handling in Trusts and Vaccination Centres24 December 2020
Handling multiple COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines have different handling and dosing requirements. Sites need to plan to reduce the risk of errors where multiple vaccines are available.

Standard Operating Procedures

Each SOP and a summary of all major changes is provided.

Ordering COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer-BioNTech from Public Health England (PHE) for Trusts

Change history
  1. · All updated to reflect availability of Comirnaty-branded product and associated changes to handling
  2. · Detail on local ordering system removed and link to NHS England SOP on ordering added.
  3. · Published

Receiving of frozen COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer-BioNTech in ultra-low temperature freezers in Trusts

Change history
  1. · Updated to reflect availability of Comirnaty-branded product and associated changes
  2. · Published

Unpacking and storing frozen COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer-BioNTech in ultra-low temperature freezers in Trusts

Change history
  1. · Updated to reflect availability of Comirnaty-branded product and associated changes
  2. · Published

Unpacking of frozen COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer-BioNTech and transfer to fridges to thaw in Trusts without freezers

Change history
  1. · Updated to reflect availability of Comirnaty-branded products and associated changes
  2. · New Pfizer thaw label image added
  3. · Post thaw refrigerated expiry extended to 31 days
  4. · Title slightly amended to "Unpacking of frozen Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and transfer to fridges to thaw in Trusts without freezers"
  5. · Published

Moving COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccines from an ULT freezer into a fridge to thaw in Trusts

Change history
  1. · Correction of 'movement from shipper' to 'movement from ULT'
  2. · Updated to reflect availability of Comirnaty-branded product and associated changes
  3. · New Pfizer thaw label image added
  4. · Post thaw refrigerated expiry extended to 31 days
  5. · Published

Thawing small numbers of COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer-BioNTech vials

Change history
  1. · Updated to reflect availability of Comirnaty-branded product and associated changes
  2. · New Pfizer thaw label image added with extended 31 day expiry
  3. · Published

Cryocube F101-h Freezer Temperature Monitoring and Recording in Trusts

Change history
  1. · Updated to reflect storage conditions as stated for Comirnaty-0branded product
  2. · Published

Preparing COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer-BioNTech in Trusts

Change history
  1. · Updated to reflect availability of Comirnaty & associated changes
  2. · VH8 Amended instructions for disposal of cartons to include placing in confidential waste
  3. · VH8, VH8.1 and VH8.2 updated to describe withdrawal of 6 doses as standard practice
  4. · VH8 Section 2 updated to include model of one person diluting and drawing up
  5. · VH8 4.4.4 Now states “new” syringe / needle must be used
    1. · VH8 4.1.7 addition of 2nd check to include correct vaccine vial selected
    2. · VH8 4.4.1, VH8.1 and VH8.2 updated to include additional references to 6th dose
    3. · Change to SOP VH8 Section 4.3.4, regarding presence of opaque particles prior to dilution
    4. · VH8.1 updated to reflect the change
    5. · Published

Training Resources

COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer-BioNTech pathway critical control points presentation for Trusts

A guidance presentation for process supervisors on COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer-BioNTech pathway critical control points

COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer-BioNTech Handling and Preparation Video

A video produced by Pfizer showing the correct handling and preparation of the COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer-BioNTech

Other COVID-19 vaccines resources