Pfizer Vaccine: FDA says additional doses in filters can be used, which could expand U.S. supply | Coronavirus

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced the use of additional doses of coronavirus vaccines contained in Pfizer filters, which could expand the U.S. supply of the drug by 40%, according to reports.

The news, originally reported by Politico, comes after pharmacists discovered that some vaccine bottles contained enough liquid for up to two extra doses.

The FDA has told Pfizer that these doses can be used instead of being discarded, in a change in the group’s guidelines from last week which indicated that only five doses were maintained – a rule that advise pharmacists in some states to adhere to it.

“Given the public health crisis, the FDA advises that it is right to accept all total doses received,” an FDA spokesman told Politico.

An academic citation states that it was common for manufacturers to fill vials in case there was spillage and other waste. Erin Fox, a pharmacologist at the University of Utah, said: “It’s very unusual to take an extra dose or more – but it seems to be there.”

Sharon Castillo, a spokeswoman for Pfizer, said in a statement to the Washington Post: “The amount of vaccine left in the multidose vial after five doses can vary, depending on the type of needle. and syringes in use. ”

Pfizer has not confirmed the FDA’s advice and told Politico vaccines that they would have to “consult their institution’s policies for the use of multi-dose filters”.

But an FDA spokesman told the Washington Post: “At this time, in the face of a public health crisis, the FDA advises that it is OK to use every dose received (sixth, or even seventh). from each vial, until the issue is resolved. ”

Regulators have said that while the extra doses can be used safely, vaccines left over from multiple filters should not be mixed to avoid contamination.

The first Covid-19 vaccine began in the U.S. this week, including at nursing homes, where the virus has killed more than 110,000 people. On Thursday, the government’s advisory panel will consider whether to support emergency use of a second vaccine, carried out by Moderna.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Mike Pence are expected to receive the Covid-19 vaccine publicly soon, according to reports, as part of an effort to build confidence in his safety.

According to two transition officials familiar with the case, Biden will receive the vaccine publicly as early as next week. Officers spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to debate publicly.

The White House has said that Pence and his wife, Karen, will receive the vaccine in public on Friday.

Twitter said Wednesday that it will begin removing incorrect information about Covid-19 vaccines from its site from next week.

Removed posts include those that make false claims that the virus is not genuine, prohibited claims about the effects of getting the vaccine and unfounded claims that recommend vaccinations. used to harm or control people, he said.

The social media platform, starting early next year, said it could also print leaflets promoting “unfounded rumors, controversial claims, as well as incomplete or outside information. about vaccines ”but that may not be worth removing under the new rules.

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