Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine - Technical resources

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:

• COVID-19 vaccine introduction toolkit
• Delivery strategy and training
• CDC resources
• Pfizer Biontech resources 
• Reporting adverse events

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.

Pfizer Biontech resources 

Reporting adverse events

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

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