As the U.K. became the first country to begin administering Pfizer COVID vaccine as soon as the jab received the regulators' approval on December 7, British officials were surprised to get an extra dose on each vial. During their weekly webinar o December 17, the National Health Services (NHS) advised the clinicians to use the extra shot "at their discretion."
It was different from the NHS' earlier order to dispose the 6th jabs on each vial, wasting large amounts of these precious vaccines against coronavirus. It was confirmed to Daily Mail by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) that 'small' amounts of the vaccines jab are getting wasted.
A spokesperson of Pfizer explained that each vial would contain 'at least' five doses, but the leftover can be different depending on the type of syringes and needles that doctors use. The spokesperson declined to give a recommendation about how to use the remaining vaccine from each vial. "This is a matter for regulators to advise on," he told Daily Mail.
Pfizer confirmed that it overfilled the vials to ensure that the promised five doses will be attained and extracted for vaccination even when accidents like spillages while in transport. The pharmaceutical company also said that there is the extra dose is not really wasted since it was only serves as a backup never and not intended to be used.
Meanwhile, American doctors are already using additional portions after its regulator approved the be administration of the extra doses.
Related article: Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Trial Results Shows 95% Effectiveness, Hopes to Release First Batch Early December
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Written by CJ Robles
