Regarding the new coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer, a major pharmaceutical company in the United States, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said that it would continue to allow transportation in a refrigerated state. I conveyed the view to the local government.
As a general rule, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare allows Pfizer vaccines to be refrigerated to 2 to 8 degrees Celsius before being transported to clinics within 3 hours.
On the other hand, if vibration is applied in the unfrozen state, the effectiveness may decrease, and as of December last year, Pfizer said, "We do not recommend transportation in a refrigerated state, and the local government determines that it is unavoidable. I will accept it, "said the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, according to an interview with NHK.
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said at a briefing session for local governments held on the 12th that "more stable quality control is possible by freezing and transporting at a temperature lower than -15 degrees Celsius."
He said that he would continue to allow transportation in a refrigerated state, and that "although it is tolerated, careful handling is required to reduce shaking."
Inoculation to the elderly is expected to begin on the 12th of next month, and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare plans to revise the guide for local governments in the near future.