The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine occupies the headlines for the past two days as it has proven 90% effective in the late-stage trials, against novel coronavirus, a good and encouraging news for other vaccine candidates, and also to the world. With the company nearing its success, the reports suggest extremely low temperatures requirement of vaccine storage could be a hurdle in supply chain.
Delhi AIIMS Director, Dr Randeep Gulleria said, “Pfizer vaccine has to be kept at -70C which is a challenge for developing countries like India where we'll have difficulties in maintaining a cold chain, especially on rural missions". “Overall encouraging news in vaccine research for those in Phase III trials,” he added. "The vaccine approved yesterday by Pfizer is a messenger RMNA vaccine and those vaccines, once they're made, have to be stored at -90 degrees Celsius,” said Dr Joseph Gastaldo with OhioHealth.
Researchers and medical professionals are worried that vaccine may be available whether there may be enough cold storage to store them. Pfizer, the pharma giant that is developing the vaccine in partnership with Germany's BioNTech also said that the shots will spoil in around five days, at normal refrigeration temperatures. It imply the ultra-freezer unit need. According to reports, some local hospitals in America are now preparing and buying some of the needed freezer units.
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