Madison Clarke
In 2021, it was reported that hundreds of thousands of COVID-19 vaccines in North Carolina were at risk of expiring at the end of the month. The vaccines in question were the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which, according to former Food and Drug Administration vaccine chief Norman Baylor, have a shelf life of about six months from the time of manufacture, depending on how they're stored. Like many perishable items, COVID-19 vaccines remain stable at lower temperatures for longer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of doses of Pfizer vaccine that expired at the end of the month | 589,180 |
| Number of doses of Moderna vaccine that expired at the end of the month | 14,629 |
| Number of doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine that expired at the end of the month | N/A |
| Number of wasted doses of vaccine in North Carolina since December | 251,750 |
| Number of wasted doses of vaccine in North Carolina due to expiration | 51,750 |
| Number of wasted doses of vaccine in North Carolina for other reasons | 200,000 |
| Percentage increase in first doses given in the past few weeks in North Carolina | 42% |
| COVID-19 vaccine shelf life at the time of manufacture | 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
COVID-19 vaccines have a shelf life of about six months
The shelf life of vaccines varies depending on their ingredients and manufacturing process. For instance, the Johnson & Johnson single-dose COVID-19 vaccine initially had a shelf life of four and a half months, but the FDA extended it to six months in July 2021. This extension was based on data from ongoing studies that showed the vaccine remains stable when refrigerated at 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Similarly, the FDA approved Pfizer's request to extend the shelf life of its COVID-19 vaccine from six to nine months when stored at -90 to -60 degrees Celsius.
In some cases, vaccines may be administered even after their original expiration dates if their shelf life has been extended. For example, in India, the national regulator extended the shelf life of Covishield from six to nine months in February 2021. Similarly, the shelf life of Covaxin was extended from nine months to 12 months in October 2021. These extensions were granted based on additional stability data submitted to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
The extension of vaccine shelf lives can help reduce vaccine waste and improve accessibility, especially in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure. However, it is important to note that the shelf life of vaccines is determined by checking the potency and concentration of their substances, and ongoing stability assessment studies are conducted to ensure their safety and effectiveness over time.
While the extension of shelf lives can provide additional time for vaccine administration, it is still crucial to prioritize the timely utilization of vaccines to ensure their effectiveness and avoid waste. In North Carolina, for instance, there was an increase in the number of people getting vaccinated as they rushed to use doses before they expired at the end of the month. This highlights the importance of timely vaccination to prevent vaccine expiration and maximize the protection offered by these critical public health tools.
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Expiry dates depend on how vaccines are stored
Expiry dates for vaccines are determined by how long they stay at the right strength, according to former Food and Drug Administration vaccine chief Norman Baylor. This is called a "potency assay".
COVID-19 vaccines can last for about six months from the time of manufacture, depending on how they are stored. Like many perishable items, they remain stable for longer at lower temperatures.
The vaccines made by Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson can be stored for about six months. However, the Johnson & Johnson product's shelf life was extended by six weeks and was good until the end of September.
State officials have said that unused COVID-19 doses may expire by the end of the month. For example, in North Carolina, approximately 589,180 doses of Pfizer and 14,629 doses of Moderna were set to expire at the end of the month.
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North Carolina had 600,000+ doses set to expire at the end of the month
In August 2021, North Carolina faced the potential expiration of more than 600,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses by the end of the month. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported that approximately 589,180 doses of Pfizer and 14,629 doses of the Moderna vaccine were at risk of expiring. This situation occurred during a period of low vaccination rates in the state, with a sharp increase in vaccinations attributed to concerns over the Delta variant.
The state's response to this situation was multifaceted. Firstly, county health departments and vaccine providers worked diligently to administer the vaccines before their expiration dates. Secondly, the state chose not to order any new doses, instead facilitating transfers between vaccine providers to optimize distribution. Additionally, the state had previously experienced vaccine waste, with approximately 51,750 doses discarded due to expiration and around 200,000 more wasted for other reasons.
To address the issue of vaccine expiration and waste, North Carolina witnessed a 42% increase in first doses administered in the preceding weeks. This surge in vaccinations was a positive development, and providers hoped it would be sufficient to mitigate waste. The state's efforts aligned with the consensus among health experts that widespread vaccination is crucial to ending the pandemic.
The scenario in North Carolina underscores the challenges faced by states and health authorities during the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. While vaccine expiration and waste are complex issues, the increase in vaccinations in North Carolina highlights the adaptability and resilience of the public health response.
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Vaccine providers hope an increase in vaccinations will reduce waste
COVID-19 vaccines have a shelf life of about six months from the time of manufacture. However, this duration is dependent on how the vaccines are stored—they remain stable for longer at lower temperatures. The expiration dates for vaccines are determined by manufacturers, who submit data to regulators proving how long the shots stay at the right strength.
In August 2021, North Carolina faced the potential expiration of more than 600,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of the month. Approximately 589,180 doses were from Pfizer, and 14,629 were from Moderna. The state's vaccine providers hoped that an increase in vaccinations would reduce waste. There was a 42% increase in first doses administered in the past few weeks, and providers aimed to use all available doses before they expired.
Despite these efforts, North Carolina had already wasted approximately 51,750 doses due to expiration and another 200,000 for other reasons since it started receiving vaccines in December. To address the issue, the state opted to transfer doses between providers instead of ordering new ones. Governor Roy Cooper affirmed their primary focus on vaccinations, stating, "That's what's going to get us out at the end of the day."
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Unused doses are sent abroad to help curb the pandemic
The Biden administration has been sending unused COVID-19 vaccine doses abroad to help curb the pandemic. This move comes as some state officials have warned that unused doses may expire by the end of the month. For instance, in North Carolina, approximately 589,180 doses of Pfizer and 14,629 doses of Moderna were at risk of expiring at the end of August 2021.
COVID-19 vaccines are perishable and their expiration dates depend on how they are stored. The vaccines made by Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson can last for up to about six months from the time of manufacture if stored properly. However, these expiration dates may be extended as companies continue to test samples.
The shelf life of vaccines is determined by a "potency assay," which varies by vaccine. For example, a tetanus shot typically lasts for two years if stored properly.
Vaccine providers play a crucial role in ensuring that vaccines are administered before their expiration dates. In North Carolina, vaccine providers have been transferring doses between each other instead of ordering new ones to prevent waste. There has also been an increase in the number of people getting vaccinated in the state, which helps lessen vaccine waste.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, vaccines do expire. The expiration date of a vaccine is determined based on data the manufacturer submits to regulators proving how long the shots stay at the right strength. COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the U.S. made by Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson can last for about six months from the time of manufacture, depending on how they're stored.
The expiration of vaccines at the end of the month can be influenced by various factors, such as manufacturing dates, storage conditions, and usage rates. If a vaccine is not properly stored or used within its recommended time frame, it may expire earlier than expected.
Expired vaccines are typically discarded and replaced with fresh batches to ensure effectiveness and safety. In some cases, unused vaccines may be transferred between vaccine providers to optimize their usage and reduce waste.
