[jonemo]

Hi, author of the post here. I tried to include some info on temperature requirements and how cold chain distribution works, but it's hard to capture that comprehensively because it varies a lot geographically.

While I do appreciate how difficult it is to distribute the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at -70 C, I am still puzzled by how deep into the distribution this temperature gets maintained. As far as I know, the spec is that the vaccine can be stored (and transported) at regular fridge temperatures for up to 5 days. It seems like everyone (in the US anyway) is focused on maintaining -70C all the way to the point of use. What about the alternative of thawing it at some distribution center and focusing efforts on getting it into a person within five days after that?

[hef19898]

That's a good question. I didn't research the temp requirements that deep myself yet. Instead I worked from what I read online and in the press. Which is also the way it works in Germany. Now I am intrigued so, I will see what I can find.

EDIT: This really is frustrating. Either I am unable to google stuff or there really is no data sheet on the Biontech vaccine available online. All I found is nice pictures and text without numbers at Pfizer's website and second hand interviews of Biontech CFO saying the vaccine can be stored up to 5 days in a fridge. Real transparency doesn't seem to be a thing with everything Covid-19.

[jonemo]

This Pfizer site is intended for healthcare providers in the US so technically not meant for your eyes, but it has all the info: https://www.cvdvaccine-us.com/product-storage-and-dry-ice

The equivalent page for Germany where BioNTech distributes the same vaccine: https://www.comirnatyeducation.de/resources.html