The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended extending the storage time for the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at normal fridge temperatures to 31 days from five days, easing logistical challenges during rollouts in the region.

The change is applicable for unopened vials, the EMA said, adding that its suggestion came after the assessment of additional stability study data submitted by Pfizer and BioNTech.