Why Pfizer’s ultra-cold COVID-19 vaccine will not be at the local pharmacy any time soon

FILE PHOTO: A woman holds a small bottle labeled with a "Vaccine COVID-19" sticker and a medical syringe in this illustration taken April 10, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/File Photo

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Work to distribute the experimental COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE is gearing up after the companies announced successful interim data earlier on Monday, but it will not be coming to local pharmacies for the general public any time soon.

The data, which sent U.S. stocks to record highs [.N], showed that the two companies' experimental vaccine is 90% effective at preventing COVID-19. They are still awaiting data on safety, which could come later this month.