Pfizer's Covid-19 Vaccine Experiences Challenges in US

Within the first few days of roll out in the United States, Pfizer Inc.'s Covid-19 vaccine has encountered some unexpected hindrances. U.S officials, addressing a press call, stated that at least two trays of Covid-19 vaccine doses that were delivered in California had their storage temperatures go down to minus 80 Celsius. However, the trays were replaced later on. It is to be noted that Covid-19 vaccines made by Pfizer & BioNTech SE, are supposed to be kept at around minus 70 Celsius. Investigation with regards to whether vaccine storage at excessively cold temperatures is risky is still in progress.

Another challenge that Pfizer is experiencing since the roll-out of its vaccine in the U.S. is production issues. Alex Azar, US Secretary of Health and Human Services informed that they will implement any mechanism to offer complete support to Pfizer so that vaccines can be produced.

Pfizer’s Chief Executive, Albert Bourla stated that the multinational pharmaceutical firm has asked the US government to make use of the Defense Production Act to relieve some "critical supply limitations," specifically in case of some components.

Pfizer's partner BioNTech had reported Pfizer's initial 2020 production target of 100 million doses getting halved earlier this year due to issues with raw materials supply. However, the specific manufacturing issue that the company is facing has not been disclosed.

The US government is said to be in talks with Pfizer to secure 100 million additional doses. Earlier, the US government had earlier contracted with Pfizer to purchase up to 500 million additional doses at an unspecified cost.

As per logistics companies, United Parcel Services Inc and FedEx Corp have been developing contingency plans for delivery of vaccines this week to prevent unavailability due to severe snowstorms in some parts of the US.