Pfizer: COVID-19 Vaccine Can Be Stored In Normal Freezers

The COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Pfizer does not to be stored in deep freezers, as currently required, per a Friday press release from the company.

Instead, a normal freezer will do. But the FDA still must approve this claim before moving forward.

"We have been continuously performing stability studies to support the production of the vaccine at commercial scale, with the goal of making the vaccine as accessible as possible for healthcare providers and people across the U.S. and around the world," Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement. "If approved, this new storage option would offer pharmacies and vaccination centers greater flexibility in how they manage their vaccine supply."

Today, healthcare providers are often left scrambling whenever an individual cancels a scheduled appointment to get the vaccine, as shots can't be returned to freezers. With so many waiting to get the vaccine, healthcare providers often call the next person on the waiting list to see whether that person can come in that very day to get a shot.

Basically, using normal freezers would offer another step in making sure vaccines don't go to waste.

"The company is asking the FDA to update its authorization of the vaccine to allow for vials to be stored at these temperatures for a total of two weeks as an alternative or complement to colder freezers," wrote Jesse Hillman of The Hill.