During a COVID-19 vaccination drive, two mRNA vaccines are stored side by side. BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) and mRNA-1273 (Moderna) differ markedly in their recommended long-term storage temperatures. This difference is:

• A Both require -150 degrees Celsius in liquid nitrogen vapour phase
• B -15 to -25 degrees Celsius for BNT162b2 versus -60 to -80 degrees Celsius for mRNA-1273
• C Both require 2 to 8 degrees Celsius like conventional inactivated vaccines
• D -60 to -80 degrees Celsius for BNT162b2 versus -15 to -25 degrees Celsius for mRNA-1273 ✓

Explanation

BNT162b2 is chemically less stable and requires ultracold storage at -60 to -80 degrees Celsius, whereas mRNA-1273 is formulated to remain stable at ordinary freezer temperatures of -15 to -25 degrees Celsius. Both are far more labile than conventional inactivated vaccines stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, although both allow limited periods at refrigeration temperature after thawing. Liquid nitrogen storage is not required for either product.

Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.