FDA says Pfizer vaccine vials hold extra doses, expanding supply

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Thu, 2020-12-17 11:45 — mike kraft

FDA says Pfizer vaccine vials hold extra doses, expanding supply Using every drop from overfilled vials could boost available doses by up to 40 percent. Sarah Owermohle POLITICO

Pharmacists have found a way to squeeze extra doses out of vials of Pfizer's vaccine, potentially expanding the nation's scarce supply by up to 40 percent.

The Food and Drug Administration said late Wednesday that those extra doses could be used, clearing up confusion that had caused some pharmacists to throw away leftover vaccine for fear of violating the rules the agency set last week.

"Given the public health emergency, FDA is advising that it is acceptable to use every full dose obtainable," an agency spokesperson told POLITICO, mirroring language that a federal health official sent to state vaccine providers Wednesday morning.

The federal government has not publicly announced the guidance; Pfizer learned of the change this afternoon.

The Pfizer vials are supposed to hold five doses, but pharmacists have found they have enough for a sixth or even a seventh dose. Putting those into use could significantly increase the United States' scarce early supply of the shot, reducing the likelihood of a "vaccine cliff" this spring as demand outpaces supply. ...

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