COVID-19 Vaccine Storage and Handling Checklist (Pfizer-BioNTech)

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Before Receiving

Before receiving the thermal shipping container, you must have the following:
A well-ventilated room set up to safely handle the thermal shipping container and dry ice
An appropriate area for discarding dry ice so it can sublime from a solid to a gas
A method for tracking to ensure the re-icing protocol is being followed (if using the thermal shipping container as temporary storage)
Proper security so only authorized personnel can access the thermal shipping container contents
Access to an occupational health department that can be consulted to ensure appropriate safeguards
Safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields
Waterproof insulated gloves
Box cutter or tool to open box
Hand truck or dolly to move the thermal shipping container, which can weigh up to 36.5 kg (81 lb)
Ultra-low-temperature (ULT) freezer (if possible)

If using the thermal shipping container as temporary storage:

When Receiving

When receiving the thermal shipping container:
Inspect to confirm you received the number of vial trays you ordered BUT do not open the vial trays or remove vials UNTIL you are ready for thawing or use
Do not stack or place anything on top of the thermal shipping container

Before Opening

Before opening the thermal shipping container:
Make sure the area in which you are working has proper ventilation.
Make sure you are wearing safety glasses with side shields or safety goggles and waterproof insulated gloves when handling dry ice.

When Opening

Break the seal to open
Upon opening, you will see a temperature-monitoring device embedded in the foam lid

The foam lid lid will be attached to the thermal shipping container
Take caution when opening the lid as you’ll notice one flap of the thermal shipping container is permanently affixed to the lid. DO NOT pull this flap.
To open the lid, use the 3 finger holes in the foam lid, which will then allow the lid to swing open

The foam lid comes completely off
To open the foam lid, gently remove the entire lid (with the temperature-monitoring device still attached) and place to the side

Press and hold the stop button of the temperature-monitoring device for 5 seconds
The temperature-monitoring device you receive will either be a Controlant Real-Time Monitor:
OR a Sensitech Temperature Monitor:

Dry Ice Handling

Make sure that you are now wearing waterproof insulated gloves and safety glasses with side shields or safety goggles as you prepare to handle layers of the container that have dry ice
[Softbox] Beneath the foam lid (D) is the dry ice pod (A).
[AeroSafe] Beneath the foam lid (D) is the dry ice pod (A).
Using your waterproof insulated gloves, remove the dry ice pod
[Softbox] You will now see a lid for the box (C) that holds the vial trays (B).
[AeroSafe] You will now see a lid for the box (C) that holds the vial trays (B).
Open the box and you will see the vial trays, which resemble small pizza boxes and contain multiple dose vials. There will be up to 5 vial trays inside.
REMEMBER: Do not open the vial trays or remove vials until you are ready for thawing or use.
Remove the box that holds the vial trays from the thermal shipping container
CAUTION: If you feel resistance when trying to remove the box that holds the vial trays, do not pull it out by force. Keep the box inside the thermal shipping container and remove the vial trays separately using the clear plastic straps
Remove the vial trays
Immediately store the vaccine product in the ultra-low-temperature (ULT) freezer
If a ULT freezer is not available, the thermal shipping container may be used as temporary storage; however, it must be opened, inspected, and replenished within 24 hours of receipt.

Dry Ice Disposal