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

Moderna said on 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 1 month at refrigerated temperatures of 2 to 8 degrees celsius, or 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit, and for up to seven months in a standard freezer at -20 degrees celsius, or -4 degrees Fahrenheit.

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. ...

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.