The MHRA has granted emergency approval for both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines to be used as a third booster shot.

The announcement comes at the UK Government are believed to be planning the roll out of a mass booster programme for most, if not all adults, in order to mitigate an expected rise in cases over autumn and winter.

Both vaccines have been approved for use as of today (9th September 2021), but the MHRA did not specify which groups of patients the approval covered. This decision will be made separately by the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisation (JCVI).

An update from the JCVI on whether a booster programme should take place and, if so, how widespread it should be, is expected later this week.

Dr June Raine, Chief Executive of the MHRA, said “We know that a person’s immunity may decline over time after their first vaccine course. I am pleased to confirm that the Covid-19 vaccines made by Pfizer and AstraZeneca can be used as safe and effective booster doses.”

“This is an important regulatory change as it gives further options for the vaccination programme, which has saved thousands of lives so far. It will now be for the JCVI to advise on whether booster jabs will be given and if so, which vaccines should be used.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for improving the way in which medical fridges and freezers are monitored. Previously relying upon manual monitoring, IoT technology has enabled the use of smart sensors.

In a medical setting, smart sensors can be used to monitor the temperature, humidity and even vibration levels of a fridge or freezer. Should any of the elements fall out of predetermined thresholds, relevant teams are alerted via text, call or email.

Invisible Systems are supporting NHS organisations to remotely monitor their vaccine fridges and freezers to save the time of staff, reduce the risk of waste and ensure the efficacy of COViD-19 vaccines.

Book a consultation with a member of our team to find out how a remote monitoring solution would work for your organisation.

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