Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine - Technical resources

Maricel CASTRO

COVID-19 vaccination is one of the world’s fastest and most massively deployed public health interventions in history. To this effect, country readiness is key for smooth deployment of adequate cold chain equipment and successful implementation of COVID-19 vaccination in every country. Clear information about the type of COVID-19 vaccine and its formulation, presentation, cold chain requirement during storage and transport and proper handling and administration during an immunization session are crucial to maintain vaccine quality throughout effective COVID-19 vaccine roll out.

Currently, among vaccines approved under the WHO emergency use listing (EUL), only Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine requires storage at ultra-low temperature (ULT). Only a few low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) that have used Ebola vaccine, which also requires ULT storage condition, have any experience in using ULT equipment and managing ultra-cold chain (UCC) systems. Putting the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to use in most LMICs will require countries to overcome logistical challenges in three key areas of UCC system management: equipment, transport and deployment. In addition, good practices in administering the vaccine during an immunization session are also crucial to ensure vaccine quality, reduce vaccine wastage and prevent incidents of adverse events, that may impact on public’s confidence on the vaccine.

This page provides a list of resources related to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, organised into the following sections:

These documents and materials have been developed by third parties including, but not limited to, manufacturers (collectively, the “Third Party Materials”).  The Third Party Materials are provided for convenience only.  WHO does not control, review, approve, endorse or make any representations or warranties of any kind with respect to the Third Party Materials, or any content, information or links provided or contained therein.  WHO is not responsible for the Third Party Materials, or any content, information or linked provided or contained therein.  Accordingly, WHO hereby expressly disclaims all responsibilities, liabilities, damages, representations and warranties of any kind whatsoever (including, without limitation, any representations and warranties as to accuracy, completeness, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement or otherwise) arising from or in connection with the Third Party Materials.  The access, use, interpretation and/or reliance on the Third Party Materials is at the reader’s own responsibility and risk. 

COVID-19 vaccine introduction toolkit

The COVID-19 vaccine introduction toolkit equips all countries to prepare for and implement COVID-19 vaccination by providing guidance, tools, and training. The toolkit is intended to support Ministries of Health, health workers, partner organizations, and other stakeholders.

Delivery strategy and training

 

CDC resources 

Below are the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) resources that provide countries with some examples and job aids on handling Pfizer vaccine, cold chain, and dry ice.

TitleAuthorYearTypeLanguage
Dry Ice Safety for Healthcare ProfessionalsCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)2021GuidanceEnglish
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine - Storage and Handling SummaryCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)2021GuidanceEnglish
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine - Beyond-Use Date (BUD) Tracking Labels for Vaccine During Freezer or Refrigerator StorageCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)2021GuidanceEnglish
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine - Delivery ChecklistCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)2021ToolEnglish
Pfizer-BioNTECH COVID-19 Vaccine - Storage and Handling LabelCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)2021GuidanceEnglish
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine - Temperature Log for Frozen Vaccine Storage (Celsius)Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)2021ToolEnglish
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine - Temperature Log for Frozen Vaccine Storage (Fahrenheit)Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)2021ToolEnglish
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine - Temperature Log for Ultra-Cold Vaccine Storage (Celsius) Days 1–15Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)2021ToolEnglish
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine - Temperature Log for Ultra-Cold Vaccine Storage (Fahrenheit) Days 1–15Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)2021ToolEnglish
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine - Transporting Vaccine for Vaccination Clinics Held at Satellite, Temporary, or Off-Site LocationsCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)2021GuidanceEnglish
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine - Vaccine PreparationCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)2021GuidanceEnglish
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine - Vaccine Preparation and Administration SummaryCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)2021GuidanceEnglish

Pfizer Biontech resources 

TitleAuthorYearTypeLanguage
Checklist for storage, handling, and preparation of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 VaccinePfizer Inc.2021TrainingEnglish
Directives opérationnelles relatives à la mise en place d’un système de chaîne de froid à ultra-basse température pour soutenir le déploiement du vaccin Pfizer-BioNTech contre la COVID-19World Health Organization (WHO)2022GuidanceFrench
Dry Ice Safety Data SheetPfizer Inc.2020User guideEnglish
Guía operativa sobre el establecimiento de un sistema de cadena de ultrafrío en apoyo del lanzamiento de la vacuna contra la COVID-19 de Pfizer-BioNTechWorld Health Organization (WHO)2022GuidanceSpanish
Operational guidance on establishing an ultra-cold chain system in support of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine rolloutWorld Health Organization (WHO)2022GuidanceEnglish
Orientação operacional sobre o estabelecimento do sistema de cadeia ultrafria em apoio à implementação da vacina contra a COVID-19 da Pfizer-BioNTechWorld Health Organization (WHO)2020GuidancePortuguese
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and low dead-volume (LDV) syringes and-or needlesPfizer Inc.2021TrainingEnglish
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine safety data sheetPfizer Inc.2021User guideEnglish
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine shipping and handling guidelinesPfizer Inc.2021TrainingEnglish
Pfizer-Biontech Covid-19 vaccine thermal shipping container dry ice replenishment instructionsPfizer Inc.2021TrainingEnglish
Returning real-time temperature monitor and thermal shipping containerPfizer Inc.2021TrainingEnglish
Safe Handling Guidelines for Dry IcePfizer Inc.2021TrainingEnglish
The Pocket Guide to Preparation & Administration of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 VaccinePfizer Inc.2021TrainingEnglish
THE S.T.E.P.S. to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccination (Your guide to proper storage, handling, and administration for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine)Pfizer Inc.2021TrainingEnglish
Оперативное руководство по созданию системы ультрахолодовой цепи в рамках подготовки к внедрению вакцины от COVID-19 производства компании PfWorld Health Organization (WHO)2022GuidanceRussian
إرشادات التشغيل إلنشاء نظام سلسلة التبريد الفائق لدعم نشر لقاح فايزر بيونتيك المضاد لكوفيد-19World Health Organization (WHO)2022GuidanceArabic

Reporting adverse events

Reporting adverse event to VAERS: https://vaers.hhs.gov/

Reporting adverse event to Pfizer: https://www.pfizersafetyreporting.com/