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The guidance for shelf-life extension is the same for both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. This updated guidance is detailed out below.
Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine:
The expiration date extension applies to vials stored in both ultra-cold temperatures (-90°C and -60°C [-130°F and -76°F]) and at refrigerated temperatures (2°C and 8°C [36°F and 46°F]) even if these vials were moved to refrigerated temperatures prior to the extension.
For Example: Vaccine with an expiration date of 12/20/2022 was removed from ultra-cold storage and placed in a refrigerator on 12/4/2022. Based on guidance for refrigerated storage (10 weeks) the BUD for this vaccine would be 2/12/2023. Without the expiration date extension, this vaccine could only be used up until 11:59 pm on 12/20/2022 (original expiration date)–not the full 10 weeks. HOWEVER, with the expiration date extension, the expiration date has moved past the 10-week BUD, and the full 10-week BUD can be applied, The vaccine can be used until 2/12/2023.
Before discarding any vaccine, providers should check the expiration date using Pfizer’s expiration date tool at Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Lot Expiry (cvdvaccine.com)
Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine:
The expiration date extension applies to vials stored at both frozen temperatures between (-50°C and -15°C [-58°F and 5°F]) and refrigerated temperatures (2°C and 8°C [36°F and 46°F]) even if these vials were moved to refrigerated temperatures prior to the extension.
For Example: Vaccine (expiration date = 12/20/2022) was removed from frozen storage and placed in a refrigerator on 12/4/2022. Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine stored in a refrigerator must be used within 30 days (beyond-use date [BUD]). Based on the date the vaccine was placed in the refrigerator, the vaccine’s BUD is 1/03/2023. Without the expiration date extension, this vaccine could only be used up to the expiration date (12/20/2022)–not the full 30 days. HOWEVER, with this extension, the expiration date is now AFTER the BUD. The vaccine can be used for the full 30 days.
Before discarding any vaccine, providers should check the expiration date using Moderna’s expiration date tool at Moderna Vial Expiration Checker
Shelf-life extensions can occur as additional stability data become available. It is critical that providers track expiration dates, beyond use dates (BUDs), and when a vaccine is moved from one storage unit to another. To assist with this, CDC has the following resources:
While the terms beyond use date (BUD) and expiration date may sound interchangeable, they are not the same. Both the BUD and expiration dates provide information about the stability of the vaccine. It’s important that providers keep track of both the BUD and the expiration date. Vaccine must be discarded depending on whichever date comes first.
We apologize for the delay in getting this information out to all of you, however, we received updated information and needed to ensure that we were providing the most current and accurate guidance. With both manufacturers’ guidance now aligning, this should ease some of the challenges that were discussed.
If you have any vaccine in question, please reach out to the manufacturer to determine viability. Please see contact information below:
- Pfizer-BioNTech: 1-877-829-2619 (1-877-VAX-CO19)
- Moderna: 1-866-MODERNA (1-866-663-3762)
If you have questions, please contact checcimms@michigan.gov
Thank you for all that you do, and we would like to wish you all a Happy Holiday season!
The Immunization Nurse Education Team,
Andrea, Dianne, Heidi, Lisa, Sarah, and Terri
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