Biontech's potential for boosting vaccine doses count
In a move to optimize the use of limited COVID-19 vaccine supplies, Low Dead Space Syringes (LDSS) have been employed in EU countries, including Germany, to extract an additional dose from each vial of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
These specially designed syringes, internationally recognized for their minimal 'dead space' (remaining liquid after plunger is fully pressed), allow for the extraction of six doses per vial instead of the previously approved five. This practice aligns with global vaccination strategies to maximize doses, particularly in response to supply constraints and high vaccination demands.
While the specifics on the widespread and common use of LDSS across EU nations are not detailed in the provided search results, it is known that many vaccination programs globally, including in the EU, aimed to maximize doses per vial using LDSS.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine documentation explicitly states that six doses are achievable using LDSS. However, it's worth noting that the use of LDSS is not mentioned in the product information approved by the German medicines authority. In Germany and other EU countries, the administration of five doses is noted on the label, but the use of LDSS is not explicitly stated.
Despite the absence of official recommendations, some doctors have vaccinated more people than planned due to the generous portioning of the vaccine in the glass vials. The scale on LDSS is designed to account for the amount of vaccine that remains in the syringe, ensuring accurate dosing.
It's important to clarify that mixing is not provided for in the Biontech vaccine, and it's not recommended to combine remaining vaccine from vials by the EMA. The EMA does not recommend combining remaining vaccine from vials either.
The Swiss medicines authority allows six doses from one vial of the Biontech vaccine, a practice that was also observed during the vaccination of first patients over the weekend. However, this information is not stated in the product information approved by the Swiss medicines authority.
In conclusion, Low Dead Space Syringes are recognized for enabling the extraction of an additional dose from Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine vials, contributing to the optimization of limited vaccine supplies. While the extent of LDSS adoption varies across EU countries, their use is in line with global vaccination strategies to maximize doses. However, it's crucial to emphasize that mixing is not recommended, and the use of LDSS is not explicitly stated in the product information approved by some national medicines authorities.
Other science, such as Low Dead Space Syringes (LDSS), has found application in the health-and-wellness sector, specifically in the extraction of an additional dose from each vial of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, contributing to the optimization of limited vaccine supplies. Although the use of LDSS is not explicitly stated in the product information approved by some national medicines authorities, it is in line with global vaccination strategies to maximize doses.
