The Therapeutic Goods Administration website provides product information (PI) documents for each vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccines are presented as multi-dose vials and require special handling to maintain viability and sterility. For more information on multidose vials see Administration of vaccines and ATAGI guidance on the use of multidose vials for COVID-19 vaccination.
The information on this page relating to storage, handling and shelf life of COVID-19 vaccines is current at the time of publication, however vaccine PI documents are regularly updated. Providers should rely on the latest PI for each vaccine if there are any differences between this page and the PI.
General advice:
- Thawed vials of frozen vaccine should not be refrozen.
- Do not shake the vaccine vials.
- Minimise exposure to room light and avoid direct sunlight and ultraviolet light.
Variation from product information – storage and handling of COVID-19 vaccines
As COVID-19 vaccines available for use in Australia contain no antimicrobial preservatives, to minimise the risk of infection ATAGI recommends that:
- once a multi-dose vial of COVID-19 vaccine is punctured, use prepared doses within 6 hours; and
- when possible, pre-drawn doses should be used within 1 hour if kept at room temperature, and within 6 hours if kept at 2°C to 8°C
Note: Data on the stability of pre-drawn doses in syringes is not available for Novavax, so storing pre-drawn doses of this vaccine in syringes is not preferred. If pre-drawn doses of Novavax are used, ATAGI recommends adhering to the above recommendations (where possible).
Pfizer original ≥12 years formulation (purple cap)
Storing frozen vials
Pfizer original ≥12 years formulation (purple cap) vials have a shelf life of 15 months at –90°C to –60°C. Vials can be stored at domestic freezer temperatures (–25°C to –15°C) for up to 2 weeks. Vials can be returned to –90°C to –60°C within 2 weeks of storage in a domestic freezer and within the original shelf life.
Thawing vials
Frozen vials should be thawed at 2°C to 8°C. A 195 vial pack may take 3 hours to thaw. Frozen vials can also be thawed at room temperature (up to 30°C) for 30 minutes, for immediate use.
Once thawed, the vaccine should not be re-frozen. See the product information for more details about thawing vials.
Storing thawed vials
After thawing, the shelf life is 31 days at 2°C to 8°C.
Undiluted vaccine vials can be stored at up to 30°C for 2 hours (including thawing time).
Vial presentation and dilution
Pfizer original ≥12 years formulation (purple cap) is presented in a multidose vial containing 0.45 mL of undiluted vaccine. It must be reconstituted by diluting with 1.8 mL of sterile 0.9% sodium chloride. Do not use bacteriostatic 0.9% sodium chloride. The total quantity after dilution will be 2.25 mL.
Do not shake the vial.
The vaccine does not contain a preservative. It is preferable to administer vaccine doses immediately after dilution.
Storing diluted vials and vaccine doses
Chemical and physical stability has been shown with vaccine storage for 6 hours at 2°C to 30°C after initial puncture for dilution. However, because this vaccine contains no antimicrobial preservatives, ATAGI recommends that after puncture and dilution, vials must be kept at 2°C to 30°C and used within 6 hours from the time of dilution. Do not freeze the diluted vaccine. This is in addition to the 2-hour maximum window for storage of an undiluted vial at up to 30°C. Do not freeze the diluted vaccine.
ATAGI recommends that, when possible, pre-drawn doses should be used within 1 hour if kept at room temperature, and within 6 hours if kept at 2°C to 8°C, to minimise the risk of infection.
Avoid exposure to light
During storage, minimise exposure to room light. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and ultraviolet light.
For more information, see the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines Strive for 5.
Pfizer 5 to 11 years formulation (orange cap)
Note there are different storage and handling specifications for the Pfizer 5 to 11 years formulation compared with Pfizer original ≥12 years formulation (purple cap).
Storing frozen vials
Pfizer 5 to 11 years formulation (orange cap) frozen vials can be stored at either –90°C to –60°C or 2°C to 8°C upon receipt. If the vials are received at 2°C to 8°C, they should be stored at 2°C to 8°C. Unopened vials have a shelf life of 18 months at –90°C to –60°C.
Thawing vials
Frozen vials should be thawed at 2°C to 8°C. A 10-vial pack may take 4 hours to thaw. Frozen vials can also be thawed at room temperature (up to 30°C) for 30 minutes, for immediate use.
Once thawed, the vaccine should not be re-frozen. See the product information for more details about thawing vials.
Storing thawed vials
After thawing, the shelf life of an unopened vial is 10 weeks at 2°C to 8°C.
Thawed vaccine vials may be stored at temperatures between 8°C to 30°C for up to 24 hours. ATAGI recommends that after dilution, vials must be kept at 2°C to 30°C and used within 6 hours from the time of dilution.
Vial presentation and dilution
Pfizer 5 to 11 years formulation (orange cap) is presented in a multidose vial containing 1.3 mL of concentrated for suspension for injection vaccine. It must be reconstituted by diluting with 1.3 mL of sterile 0.9% sodium chloride. Do not use bacteriostatic 0.9% sodium chloride. The total quantity after dilution will be 2.6 mL.
Do not shake the vial.
It is preferable to administer vaccine doses immediately after dilution.
Storing diluted vials and vaccine doses
Chemical and physical stability has been shown with storage of Pfizer 5 to 11 years formulation (orange cap) for 12 hours at 2°C to 30°C after initial puncture for dilution. However, because this vaccine contains no antimicrobial preservatives, ATAGI recommends that after puncture and dilution, vials must be kept at 2°C to 30°C and used within 6 hours from the time of dilution. Do not freeze the diluted vaccine.
ATAGI recommends that, when possible, pre-drawn doses should be used within 1 hour if kept at room temperature, and within 6 hours if kept at 2°C to 8°C, to minimise the risk of infection.
Avoid exposure to light
During storage, minimise exposure to room light. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and ultraviolet light. Thawed vials can be handled in light conditions.
For more information, see the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines Strive for 5.
Pfizer 6 months to 4 years formulation (maroon cap)
Note there are different storage and handling specifications for the Pfizer 6 months to 4 years formulation (maroon cap) compared with Pfizer original ≥12 years formulation (purple cap).
Storing frozen vials
Pfizer 6 months to 4 years formulation (maroon cap) frozen vials can be stored at either –90°C to –60°C or 2°C to 8°C upon receipt. If the vials are received at 2°C to 8°C, they should be stored at 2°C to 8°C. Unopened vials have a shelf life of 18 months at –90°C to –60°C.
Thawing vials
Frozen vials should be thawed at 2°C to 8°C. A 10-vial pack may take 2 hours to thaw. Frozen vials can also be thawed at room temperature (up to 30°C) for 30 minutes, for immediate use.
Once thawed, the vaccine should not be re-frozen. See the product information for more details about thawing vials.
Storing thawed vials
After thawing, the shelf life of an unopened vial is 10 weeks at 2°C to 8°C.
Vaccine may be stored at temperatures between 8°C to 30°C for up to 24 hours after thawing. ATAGI recommends that after dilution, vials must be kept at 2°C to 30°C and used within 6 hours from the time of dilution.
Vial presentation and dilution
Pfizer 6 months to 4 years formulation (maroon cap) is presented in a multidose vial containing 0.4 mL of concentrated for suspension for injection vaccine. It must be reconstituted by diluting with 2.2 mL of sterile 0.9% sodium chloride. Do not use bacteriostatic 0.9% sodium chloride. The total quantity after dilution will be 2.6 mL.
Do not shake the vial.
It is preferable to administer vaccine doses immediately after dilution.
Storing diluted vials and vaccine doses
Chemical and physical stability has been shown with storage of Pfizer 6 months to 4 years formulation (maroon cap) for 12 hours at 2°C to 30°C after initial puncture for dilution. However, because this vaccine contains no antimicrobial preservatives, ATAGI recommends that after puncture and dilution, vials must be kept at 2°C to 30°C and used within 6 hours from the time of dilution. Do not freeze the diluted vaccine.
ATAGI recommends that, when possible, pre-drawn doses should be used within 1 hour if kept at room temperature, and within 6 hours if kept at 2°C to 8°C, to minimise the risk of infection.
Avoid exposure to light
During storage, minimise exposure to room light. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and ultraviolet light. Thawed vials can be handled in room light conditions.
For more information, see the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines Strive for 5.
Pfizer bivalent formulations
The following guidance applies to:
- Pfizer bivalent original/Omicron BA.1 ≥18 years formulation (grey cap)
- Pfizer bivalent original/Omicron BA.4/5 ≥12 years formulation (grey cap).
The only difference in storage and handling information between these 2 bivalent formulations is the shelf life of frozen vials.
Storing frozen vials
The shelf life of frozen vials is:
- 18 months at −90°C to −60°C for Pfizer bivalent original/Omicron BA.1 ≥18 years formulation
- 18 months at −90°C to −60°C for Pfizer bivalent original/Omicron BA.4/5 ≥12 years formulation (grey cap).
Frozen vials can be stored at –90°C to –60°C or 2°C to 8°C upon receipt.
Thawing vials
Frozen vials should be thawed at 2°C to 8°C. A 10-vial pack may take 6 hours to thaw. Frozen vials can also be thawed at room temperature (up to 30°C) for 30 minutes for immediate use. If the vaccine is received at 2°C to 8°C it should be stored at 2°C to 8°C.
Once thawed, the vaccine should not be re-frozen. See the product information for more details about thawing vials.
Storing thawed vials
After thawing, the shelf life is up to 10 weeks at 2°C to 8°C.
Vaccine may be stored at temperatures between 8°C to 30°C for up to 24 hours.
Vial presentation
Pfizer bivalent formulations are presented in a multidose vial with a grey cap, containing 6 doses of 0.3 mL of vaccine.
Do not dilute. Do not shake the vial.
Note that both bivalent formulations have a grey cap and different age indications. To minimise the risk of administration errors, providers should preferably prepare and store doses of these vaccines separately. Doses withdrawn in advance of administration should be clearly labelled.
Storing vials and vaccine doses
Chemical and physical stability has been shown with storage of Pfizer bivalent formulations for 12 hours at 8°C to 30°C after initial puncture. However, because this vaccine contains no antimicrobial preservatives, ATAGI recommends that after puncture, vials must be kept at 2°C to 30°C and used within 6 hours after initial puncture. Do not re-freeze vaccine.
ATAGI recommends that, when possible, pre-drawn doses should be used within 1 hour if kept at room temperature, and within 6 hours if kept at 2°C to 8°C, to minimise the risk of infection.
Avoid exposure to light
During storage, minimise exposure to room light. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and ultraviolet light.
For more information, see the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines Strive for 5.
Moderna formulations in multidose vials
The following guidance applies to Moderna bivalent original/Omicron BA.1 ≥18 years (blue cap/green label).
Note: Moderna original ≥6 years formulation (red cap) and Moderna 6 months to 5 years formulation (blue cap/purple label) are no longer available.
Storing frozen vials
Moderna bivalent original/Omicron BA.1 ≥18 years (blue cap/green label) vials are stored frozen at –50°C to –15°C in their original carton and protected from light. Moderna vials cannot be stored at temperatures below –50°C.
Thawing vials
Frozen vials can be thawed at 2°C to 8°C in a refrigerator in 2 hours, or at room temperature (15°C to 25°C) in 1 hour.
Thawed vials should not be re-frozen. See the product information for more details about thawing vials.
Storing thawed vials
Once thawed, the shelf life of an unpunctured vial is 30 days in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) protected from light.
Of this 30 days, 12 hours can be used for transportation, and 24 hours in storage at 8°C to 25°C. Thawed vials can be handled in room light conditions.
Vial presentation
Moderna bivalent original/Omicron BA.1 ≥18 years (blue cap/green label) is presented in multidose vials of either 2.5 mL containing 5 doses of 0.5 mL, or 5 mL containing 10 doses of 0.5 mL.
Do not dilute.
Administering doses
Swirl the vial gently after thawing and before each withdrawal. Do not shake the vial.
Providers should confirm that the syringe containing the dose is not cold to touch before administration to minimise discomfort from receiving an injection of a chilled product.
Storing opened vials
Chemical and physical stability has been shown with storage of Moderna for 19 hours at 2°C to 25°C after initial puncture. However, because this vaccine contains no antimicrobial preservatives, ATAGI recommends that after initial puncture, vials must be kept at 2°C to 25°C and used within 6 hours from the time of initial puncture.
ATAGI recommends that, when possible, pre-drawn doses should be used within 1 hour if kept at room temperature, and within 6 hours if kept at 2°C to 8°C, to minimise the risk of infection.
For more information, see the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines Strive for 5.
Moderna formulations in pre-filled syringes
Presentation
Moderna bivalent original/Omicron BA.4/5 ≥12 years formulation is presented in a pre-filled syringe. A carton contains 5 clear blister packs containing 2 pre-filled syringes in each blister (total 10).
Storing frozen pre-filled syringes
Store frozen at –50°C to –15°C in the original carton to protect from light. Do not store below –50°C.
Thawing pre-filled syringes
Syringes may be thawed in the blister packs (each blister containing 2 pre-filled syringes) or in the carton itself, either in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
- Frozen cartons can be thawed in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) in 155 minutes, or at room temperature (15°C to 25°C) in 140 minutes.
- Frozen blister packs can be thawed in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) in 55 minutes, or at room temperature (15°C to 25°C) in 45 minutes.
Storing thawed pre-filled syringes
Pre-filled syringes may be stored refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C, protected from light, for a maximum of 30 days. Once thawed, do not re-freeze.
After taking out of the refrigerator, pre-filled syringes may be stored at 8°C to 25°C up to 24 hours.
Avoid exposure to light
Store frozen cartons away from light. Thawed pre-filled syringes can be handled in room light conditions.
Administering doses
Do not shake or dilute. One (1) dose of 0.5 mL can be administered from each pre-filled syringe. Do not use the pre-filled syringe to deliver a partial 0.25 mL volume.
The prefilled syringe is for single use in one patient only. Discard any residue.
Novavax
In Australia, Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is supplied in multidose vials with 10 doses in 5 mL.
Do not dilute.
Storing unopened vials
Unopened multidose vials should be stored at 2°C to 8°C. Store in the outer carton to protect them from light. Unopened vials are stable for up to 12 hours at 25°C, but storage at 25°C is not the recommended storage or shipping condition.
The shelf life of Novavax is 9 months at 2°C to 8°C.
Storing opened vials
Do not shake the vial.
Chemical and physical stability has been shown with storage of Novavax for 12 hours at 2°C to 25°C after initial puncture. However, because this vaccine contains no antimicrobial preservatives, ATAGI recommends that after initial puncture, vials must be kept at 2°C to 25°C and used within 6 hours from the time of initial puncture.
Data on the stability of pre-drawn doses in syringes is not available for the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, so storing pre-drawn doses of this vaccine in syringes is not preferred. If pre-drawn doses are used, ATAGI recommends that (where possible) pre-drawn doses in syringes should be used within 1 hour if kept at room temperature, and within 6 hours if kept at 2°C to 8°C. This is to minimise the risk of infection.
For more information, see the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines Strive for 5.
Transporting doses for home visits
When transporting Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax COVID-19 vaccines for a home visit, there are 2 options:
- Where possible, transport the vial at 2°C to 8°C and not exceeding the total maximum storage period of 6 hours, and draw up the dose at the site of administration.
- A pre-drawn dose in a syringe can be transported if it can be appropriately stored (protecting from light and maintaining the cold chain) and can be administered as soon as practicable and not exceeding the total maximum storage period of 1 hour if kept at room temperature, and within 6 hours if kept at 2°C to 8°C).
Aspiration of needles prior to administering doses
Some scientific reports have proposed that inadvertent injection of a COVID-19 vaccine into a blood vessel may be a contributing cause of serious adverse events following immunisation, such as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) and myocarditis.
Based on a review of the available evidence, ATAGI does not recommend routinely aspirating (drawing back) needles before injection. This practice was rejected some decades ago, due to several disadvantages including prolonging the procedure, potentially associated pain, and increasing the risk of needle–syringe disconnection.
ATAGI has reviewed the available evidence and considers that injection technique is highly unlikely to be a contributor to these adverse events for several reasons:
- The majority of TTS cases occured after the first dose of a viral vector vaccine (AstraZeneca). The majority of myocarditis cases occur after the second dose of an mRNA vaccine such as Pfizer or Moderna. If intravascular injection was an important contributor, there would not be a differential distribution of cases by vaccine dose.
- Direct injection into a blood vessel is unlikely in recommended injection sites.
- TTS typically occurs some days or even weeks after vaccination, which does not fit with the proposed theory of direct vascular injury which occurs early in animal models.
Recording vaccination
Every administered dose of COVID-19 vaccine must be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
Recording doses on the AIR helps to:
- ensure that the correct vaccine and interval are used for subsequent doses
- identify people who are due for another dose
- verify or provide evidence of completed COVID-19 vaccination.
For more information, see the Services Australia website AIR for health professionals.