U.S. FDA Updates Storage Guidelines for Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

April 1, 2021 – The U.S. FDA has authorized Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine to be kept at room temperature for up to 24 hours once removed from the refrigerator for administration and considers a punctured vial useable for up to 12 hours. Previously, the vaccine could be kept at room temperature for administration for up to 12 hours, and a punctured vial was considered usable for up to six hours.

Furthermore, the FDA has authorized an increase in the number of doses that can be obtained from the current Moderna vaccine vial to 11 (up from 10). The agency is also allowing Moderna to supply a new vial format containing 15 doses.

These changes may help ease some of the logistical challenges of COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration. They will allow healthcare professionals to obtain more doses per vial, as well as more time to use a vial once removed from refrigeration and once punctured to obtain the first dose.