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US hospital pharmacists have been dumping extra doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as the country battles a record number of infections and deaths.
One in six doses of the first Pfizer / BioNTech Vaccines distributed in the US this week were removed due to confusion over labeling, Stat News reported.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clarified that additional doses from the vaccine vials can be used.
Pfizer vials are supposed to contain five doses, depending on the labeling, yet the US media reported that pharmacists had found a way to get a sixth or even a seventh dose.
But without clear approval from the manufacturer, the extra doses had to be scrapped.
The FDA later said in a statement that “it is acceptable to use all the full doses available.”
“The FDA is aware that some vials of Pfizer-BioNTech # COVID19 vaccine contain additional product after five doses are obtained. The agency is working with Pfizer to determine the best way forward and will share additional updates as we get them. “. the statement said.
“At this time, given the public health emergency, the FDA advises that it is acceptable to use all the full doses that can be obtained (the sixth, or possibly even the seventh) from each vial, until the problem is resolved.”
He added: “However, since the vials do not contain preservatives, it is critical to note that any remaining product that does not constitute a full dose should not be combined from multiple vials to create one.”
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US COVID-19 Vaccine Shipments Begin
The United States, the country hardest hit by the virus in the world, is currently grappling with a surge in infections, reporting 250,000 new cases and a record of more than 3,700 deaths on Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University.
The launch of the first batch of 2.9 million doses of the recently approved Pfizer vaccine continues, with shipments going to 66 more distribution centers nationwide.
Vice President Mike Pence is expected to take his first hit Friday, and President-elect Joe Biden will receive his first dose next week.
The United States is experiencing an increase in COVID infections
The Moderna vaccine could be the second to get emergency use approval from the FDA this week.
An additional 2.9 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 5.9 million doses of the Moderna vaccine could be allocated next week, according to the US Secretary of Health and Human Services.
