Health experts have come up with a solution for sufficient vaccine supply for all the communities in the US. They have said that extra doses in vials might increase the US supply of the Pfizer vaccine. Pharmacists have found a way to clutch extra doses out of vials of Pfizer vaccine; it might increase the limited vaccine supply by up to 40 percent. Experts have seen that some health workers have thrown away some leftover doses in the vaccine vials thinking they might violate the rules laid by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, now the FDA has confirmed that leftover doses can be used. The officials from the FDA have said that considering the public health emergency, it is advisable to use every full dose obtainable. The company as well has been informed about the new guideline.
Pfizer vials are expected to contain at least five doses; however, health experts have found that each vial is sufficient for at least six or seven doses. Experts have said that using these leftover doses will shoot up the early supply of the vaccine in the US. It will reduce the possibility of vaccine crunch as demand outpaces the supply in the future. A pharmacy expert at the University of Utah, Erin Fox has said that developers usually fill the vials with extra doses to uphold against spills and other waste. However, many health professionals have been clueless about what to do with the extra doses and thrown them away in the absence of clarity from the government. Hundreds of extra doses have been wasted since the first phase of vaccination has started in the US. Earlier many health workers have been advised to follow FDA guidelines that have said that there are five doses in each vial.
The officials from Pfizer have told that the amount of vaccine left in the multidose vial after using five doses might differ. They have said that it depends on the type of syringe and needles are used during the vaccination. The company has clearly mentioned that it cannot provide any guidelines on the use of the leftover vaccine in each vial at this time. The company officials have said that pharmacists need to consult their regulating authority for the usage of the leftover vaccine in the multidose vaccine vials. On the other hand, Pfizer and FDA both have advised that the remaining amount of vaccine from multiple vials should not be mixed, as there is a high risk of contamination. Former CMS Chief Andy Slavitt has said that the company is planning to submit paperwork to guide pharmacists on the usage of leftover vaccine if they are available.
