Management of Comirnaty (tozinameran) COVID-19 vaccine ('Pfizer adult/adolescent vaccine') dilute to use (concentrate) multidose for 12 years of age and over formulation vaccine onward transport beyond the initial point of delivery.
This guideline describes the process of transporting Comirnaty (Pfizer) Adult/Adolescent Formulation vaccine from one clinic/facility to another using vehicle on ground, air or water beyond the initial point of delivery.
The document provides a range of options related to the transport and movement of the vaccine. The operational plan should be tailored to local circumstances.
Onward transport refers to transporting Comirnaty (Pfizer) Adult/Adolescent Formulation vaccine from one clinic/facility to another. Walking the vaccine within a facility or between adjacent buildings on a campus is not considered transport when it is for less than 15 minutes. ²
Staff transporting Comirnaty (Pfizer) Adult/Adolescent Formulation vaccine from one clinic/facility to another must follow this procedure. The vaccine should be transported by staff/couriers who are trained in the transport of vaccine or other products requiring cold chain monitoring. Systems must be in place for tracing and monitoring the vaccine and to ensure the delivery of the vaccines safely without excessive movement or agitation.
Onward Distribution of Unopened Vials of the Comirnaty (tozinameran) COVID-19 vaccine ('Pfizer adult/adolescent vaccine') dilute to use (concentrate) multidose for 12 years of age and over formulation vaccine
Vials must be securely packaged during transport. This includes ensuring that they are in an upright position with packaging that prevents the vials from falling over and from exposure to excessive movement, shaking or agitation. See Appendix A for images of packaging.
Onward transport of Open (Punctured) Vials or Syringes Comirnaty (tozinameran) COVID-19 vaccine ('Pfizer adult/adolescent vaccine') dilute to use (concentrate) multidose for 12 years of age and over formulation vaccine
While not recommended as routine practice, in exceptional circumstances diluted Comirnaty (Pfizer) Adult/Adolescent Formulation vaccine can be transported in a syringe or punctured vial. Once a vial has been punctured, the air pressure in the vial will have been changed and the potential for agitation (physical stress) of the mRNA in the vaccine is more likely.
Exceptional circumstances could include situations in which a few doses are needed to support the immunisation or series completion of small numbers of individuals residing in congregate settings (i.e., one or two residents) and for those who are home bound (e.g., those who may be unable to attend a community-based clinic due to physical limitations). When at all possible, it is recommended that unpunctured vials of vaccine be transported and the entire vial of vaccine administered in one location rather than transporting syringes filled with vaccine.
In exceptional circumstances, when transporting a syringe/punctured vial containing the Comirnaty (Pfizer) Adult/Adolescent Formulation vaccine, the following parameters should be considered and adhered to:
Management of Spikevax (elasomeran) COVID-19 (Moderna) vaccine onward transport beyond the initial point of delivery.
This guideline describes the process of transporting Spikevax (Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine from one clinic/facility to another using vehicle on ground, air or water beyond the initial point of delivery.
Onward transport refers to transporting Spikevax (Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine from one clinic/facility to another. Walking the vaccine within a facility or between adjacent buildings on a campus is not considered transport when it is for less than 15 minutes.
Staff transporting Spikevax (Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine from one clinic/facility to another must follow this procedure. The vaccine should be transported by staff who are trained in the transport of vaccine or other products requiring cold chain monitoring. Systems must be in place for tracing and monitoring the vaccine to ensure delivery of the vaccines safely without excessive movement or agitation.
Onward Distribution of Unopened Vials of the Spikevax (elasomeran) COVID-19 (Moderna) vaccine.
Onward transport of Opened Vials of the Spikevax (elasomeran) COVID-19 (Moderna) vaccine
While not recommended as routine practice, in exceptional circumstances Spikevax (Moderna) vaccine can be transported in a syringe or punctured vial whilst careful attention is taken. Once a vial has been punctured the air pressure in the vial will have been changed and the potential for agitation (physical stress) of the mRNA in the vaccine is more likely.
Exceptional circumstances could include situations in which a few doses are needed to support the immunisation and series completion of small numbers of individuals residing in congregate settings (i.e., one or two residents) and for those who are home bound (e.g., those who may be unable to attend a community-based clinic due to physical limitations). When at all possible, it is recommended that unpunctured vials of vaccine be transported and the entire vial of vaccine administered in one location rather than transporting syringes filled with vaccine.
In exceptional circumstances, when transporting a syringe containing the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following parameters should be considered and adhered to:
Management of Vaxzevria (ChAdOx1-S) COVID-19 (AstraZeneca) vaccine onward transport beyond the initial point of delivery
This guideline describes the process of transporting Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) COVID-19 vaccine from one clinic/facility to another using vehicle on ground, air or water beyond the initial point of delivery.
Onward transport refers to transporting Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) COVID-19 vaccine from one clinic/facility to another. Walking the vaccine within the facility or between adjacent building on a campus is not considered transport when it is for less than 15 minutes.²
Staff transporting Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) COVID-19 vaccine from one clinic/facility to another must follow this procedure. The vaccine should be transported by staff who are trained in the transport of vaccine or other products requiring cold chain monitoring. The systems must be in place for tracing and monitoring vaccines and the ability to deliver the vaccines to prevent excessive movement or agitation.
Onward transport of vials or syringes containing Vaxzevria (ChAdOx1-S) COVID-19 (AstraZeneca) vaccine
Vials must be securely packaged during transport. This includes ensuring that they are in an upright position with packaging that prevents the vials from falling over and from exposure to light and excessive movement, shaking or agitation. See Appendix A for images of packaging.
The vaccine should be transported prior to puncture. But in the event that transport of a punctured vial or pre-drawn syringe is required to provide access to vaccination or prevent wastage the following should be followed: