Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Pfizer Vaccine Vials Deliver A Dose Or Two More Than Estimated
The New York Times: Hospitals Discover A Surprise In Their Pfizer Vaccine Deliveries: Extra Doses
As boxes of Pfizer vaccines began arriving around the country this week, hospital pharmacists made a surprising discovery: Some of the glass vials that are supposed to hold five doses contained enough for a sixth — or even a seventh — person. The news prompted a flurry of excited exchanges on Twitter and pharmacy message boards this week as hospital workers considered the tantalizing possibility that the limited supply of desperately needed vaccine might be stretched to reach more people. But it also set off a wave of confusion and debate over whether to use the extra doses, or to throw them out. (Thomas, 12/16)
The Hill: FDA Says Pfizer Vaccine Supply Is Up To 40 Percent Higher Than Previously Thought As Vials Hold Multiple Doses
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday said that health officials may be able to obtain as many as seven doses of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine from vials initially intended to hold just five. Hospital pharmacists had noted the discovery on Twitter and pharmacy message boards this week as front-line health care workers began receiving the vaccine on Monday. (Castronuovo, 12/16)
USA Today: Pfizer COVID Vaccine Vials May Hold Extra Doses, Adding To US Supply
"The amount of vaccine remaining in the multidose vial after removal of 5 doses can vary, depending on the type of needles and syringes used," a Pfizer spokesperson told USA TODAY in a statement. "At this time, we cannot provide a recommendation on the use of the remaining amount of vaccine from each vial. Vaccinators need to consult their institution’s policies for the use of multidose vials." The FDA has authorized hospital pharmacists to use the extra doses while the agency works with Pfizer officials to "determine the best path forward." (Flores and Weintraub, 12/16)
Reuters: FDA Says Extra Doses From Vials Of Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine Can Be Used
“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,” an FDA representative said in an emailed statement. “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,” the statement added. (12/16)
Stat: Labeling Confusion Led To Wasted Doses Of Pfizer Covid-19 Vaccine
With the Covid-19 vaccine in short supply, hospital pharmacists found themselves in the unexpected position of throwing away one in every six doses of the first Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines distributed this week in the United States. The confusion came over labeling: The vaccine comes in vials labeled as containing enough for five doses. But pharmacists discovered that, after thawing and mixing the contents with a dilutent, each vial contained enough vaccine for six doses. Without explicit approval from the manufacturer, that final dose had to be discarded. (Goldhill, 12/16)
