Today it was announced that the vaccine candidate BNT162b2 developed by Pfizer/BioNTech has been approved for use in the UK. The vaccine has been shown to offer protection against COVID-19 in 95% of individuals and after passing safety requirements for emergency use authorization set out by the FDA, roll out is expected to begin this week. Encouragingly, the vaccine has proved to be effective at a consistent level across different demographics including age, gender and race with no safety concerns being raised.

So how does the vaccine work? Pfizer and BioNTech have worked together to produce an mRNA vaccine which is designed differently to traditional vaccines. The classic method of vaccination involves inoculating individuals with small amounts of the virus to trigger an immune response and prepare the immune system for the real thing. The difference with an mRNA vaccine is that mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) is injected into the patient via a vector, meaning no infection occurs. This messenger RNA provides instructions for immune cells on how to encode COVID-19-specific antigens that can then induce antibody production. The body will then be equipped with these antibodies, ready to initiate an immune response if infection occurs.

Current predictions indicate that by the end of this year 50 million vaccine doses will have been produced, followed by 1.3 billion in 2021 with two doses required per person. Due to the enormity of the task ahead, GP surgeries and other healthcare settings will require specialised storage of the vaccine, this is where we come in.

Before the vaccine can be widely distributed the provision of adequate temperature conditions is essential as the vaccine requires storage at -70°C. In response to this we are proud to promote our selection of -80 Freezers for vaccine storage. Dry Ice Containers will be required to maintain temperature conditions during transportation and CO2 Monitors will also be required due to the use of dry ice. Wolflabs are also able to provide Pharmacy Fridges for point of care storage as after defrosting, samples must be maintained at 2-8°C for up to 24 hours before administration. We can also help with supply of PPE for vaccine administration.

For further information on the products we can provide and to request pricing, please either use the links below or call our Sales team on 01759 301142.

Freezers - Ultra-Low Temperature -80°C

Dry Ice Containers

Fridges – Pharmacy

CO2 Monitors