Moderna says COVID-19 vaccine can be stored at refrigerator temperatures for 3 months

Moderna said Thursday that its COVID-19 vaccine could be stored at refrigerator temperatures and remain stable for up to three months.

The Massachusetts-based drugmaker said in a statement that the extended shelf life could facilitate easier distribution to doctor offices and other smaller settings if authorized.

Moderna’s vaccine is currently approved for storage of up to one month at refrigerated temperatures of 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit, and for up to seven months in a standard freezer at minus 4 degrees.

The Food and Drug Administration in late March allowed Moderna to include up to 15 doses of its vaccine per vial, a 50 percent increase from the 10 doses that currently come in the vial.

The company said it is working on other formulations of the vaccine that could extend its shelf life further.

Between the three COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized by the Food and Drug Administration, Johnson & Johnson’s initially presented easier storage options, easing the logistical hurdles presented by the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

In addition to only needing one dose, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine can be stored at standard refrigeration temperatures for longer, making it easier to reach harder-to-reach populations.

Pfizer’s vaccine can be stored at freezer temperatures between minus 13 degrees and 5 degrees Fahrenheit for up to two weeks, and at standard refrigerator temperatures for up to five days.

Also on Thursday, Moderna announced plans to increase its supply to 3 billion doses in 2022, up from the 1.4 billion it previously predicted.