FDA says Pfizer vaccine vials hold extra doses, expanding supply

WASHINGTON, DC -- People administering Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine may squeeze out extra doses from the vials if there is leftover solution in them after giving the standard five doses, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday.

Pfizer vaccine is shipped as a frozen solution, which is diluted with saline before it is given to people. 

Politico first reported that some pharmacists had found they could get six and possibly even seven doses of vaccine out of the vials, which are designed to provide five doses of vaccine each. 

“FDA is aware of the issue and working with Pfizer to determine the best path forward, and will share additional updates as we have them,” an FDA spokesperson said, adding...

“At this time, given the public health emergency, FDA is advising that it is acceptable to use every full dose obtainable (the sixth, or possibly even a seventh) from each vial, pending resolution of the issue. However, since the vials are preservative-free, it is critical to note that any further remaining product that does not constitute a full dose should not be pooled from multiple vials to create one.”

U.S. health officials said they have shipped out more than 2.9 million doses of Pfizer’s vaccine this week. They are giving it to front-line health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities.

Pfizer is working to make vaccine as it is rolled out and the U.S. government has estimated it will have about 20 million doses of Pfizer vaccine by the end of the month.