First batch of Pfizer vaccine will be distributed in state capitals only

Brazil’s first batch of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, which will arrive in late April, will only be distributed to the Brazilian state capitals. According to Conasems, national council of municipal health secretariats, the reason for this is that the Pfizer vaccine must be stored at -70°C — which requires high-powered freezers, which few cities have. 

Conass, the national council of state health secretaries, also confirmed this decision. It said freezers could be distributed to state capitals to maintain optimal storage conditions. For the other cities, the agency assured they will receive equal proportions of vaccines from other manufacturers. 

So far, Brazil is only using two Covid-19 vaccines: CoronaVac and the AstraZeneca immunizer, which must be stored at 2°C and 8°C, respectively. The vaccine produced by Johnson & Johnson has also been approved by Brazilian health regulators, the first batches of which are expected to arrive in the country in the second half of the year.

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