FOI release

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

Thank you for your communication to the MHRA in relation to a Freedom of Information request for:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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&[email protected]

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: [email protected]

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation, we are not able to accept delivery of any documents or correspondence by post or courier to any of our offices.

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