Freedom of Information request about number of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine vials discarded, lost, or stolen since MHRA approval (FOI-21-017)
Published 24 March 2021
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Thank you for your communication to the MHRA in relation to a Freedom of Information request for:
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How many Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 unopened vaccine vials were reported to have been discarded by UK healthcare providers from December 2 to present? Please provide the reasons for vaccines being thrown away, categorising the numbers by reason.
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How many Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 unopened vaccine vials were reported to have been lost by UK healthcare providers from December 2 to present? Please provide the date, location, and quantity of each reported loss.
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How many Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 unopened vaccine vials were reported to have been stolen from UK healthcare providers, manufacturers, warehouses, or distributors from December 2 to present? Please provide the date, location, and quantity stolen for each reported theft.
Reason discarded No of Vials Appearance of solution (discarded as per instruction in information for HCPs) 1 Visible particulates in solution (discarded as per instruction in information for HCPs) 45
Furthermore, we would like to confirm that we do not have any reports regarding stolen or lost Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine vials.
If you have a query about this letter, please do not hesitate to contact us at IE&SFOI@mhra.gov.uk
If you are unhappy with our decision, you may ask for it to be reviewed. That review will be undertaken by a senior member of the Agency who has not previously been involved in your request. If you wish to pursue that option please email: info@mhra.gov.uk
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After that, if you remain dissatisfied, you may write to the Information Commissioner at;
The Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
They will make a decision on whether or not we have interpreted the FOIA correctly in handling your request.
Kind Regards
MHRA Customer Service Centre
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 4PU