New York, USA: Pfizer has launched pilot programmes in Rhode Island, Texas, New Mexico and Tennessee to test the distribution of its Covid-19 vaccine, which has to be kept at temperatures well below freezing.
Pfizer’s vaccine candidate has to be shipped and stored at up to minus 80C. Moderna’s vaccine, by comparison, can be stored in a fridge.
UBS analysts have predicted that between 5 and 10% of the Pfizer vaccine could be rendered ineffective “due to inadequate storage conditions.”
“We are hopeful that results from this vaccine delivery pilot will serve as the model for other US states and international governments, as they prepare to implement effective Covid-19 vaccine programs,” Pfizer said in a statement.
