The European Medicines Agency on Monday approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines to be stored in fridge for up to a month, reported AFP. The move is expected to boost the vaccine rollout in the European Union. 

Also read: What if you get doses of 2 different COVID vaccines? A study finds out

“Increased flexibility in the storage and handling of the vaccine is expected to have a significant impact on planning and logistics of vaccine rollout in EU member states,” the Amsterdam-based EMA said.

“This change extends the approved storage period of the unopened thawed vial at two-eight degrees Celsius (35 to 46 Fahrenheit) [i.e. in a normal fridge after taking out of deep-freeze conditions] from five days to one month (31 days),” it added.

Pfizer’s vaccine, which it developed in a collaboration with Germany’s BioNTech, has shown efficacy (approx 95%) against the novel coronavirus. However, its storage and transportation was a major issue as it needed extremely cold conditions. 

BioNTech said the EMA’s decision was based on new information that it had supplied, the news agency reported. 

Late last month, the companies had requested the EU for its vaccine to be used for the 12 to 15 age group. 

Also read: CDC recommends use of Pfizer jab for children aged 12-15 in US

Other than Pfizer’s, the other vaccines approved in the EU include the ones developed by Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.