Politico | Coronavirus: FDA says Pfizer vaccine vials hold extra doses, expanding supply
- Using every drop from overfilled vials could boost available doses by up to 40 per cent
- Some pharmacists had thrown away leftover vaccine due to confusion over US agency’s rules
This story is published in a content partnership with POLITICO. It was originally reported by Sarah Owermohle on politico.com on December 16, 2020.
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 per cent.
The Food and Drug Administration said late on 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 on Wednesday morning.
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The federal government has not publicly announced the guidance; Pfizer learned of the change this afternoon.
