On July 19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended use of the Novavax vaccine for people 18 years and older to prevent COVID-19. The update followed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation that day and last week’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s announcement that the vaccine received emergency use authorization (EUA) for this age group. Novavax provides an additional option for people who have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19.
The Novavax vaccine primary series is two doses, two weeks apart. Unlike the three other vaccines, Novavax uses a protein-based virus-blocking technology that has been widely used in vaccines for other diseases. It is the fourth vaccine to be authorized for use in the U.S. for the prevention of COVID-19 and is already being used in several other countries, including Canada. In a phase 3 clinical trial involving more than 30,000 people ages 18 and older, the Novavax vaccine was 90% effective against mild, moderate and severe disease. Reported side effects were pain/tenderness, redness and swelling at the injection site, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, joint pain, nausea/vomiting, and fever. It is not yet known how well the vaccine performs against the Omicron variant and the BA.5 subvariant, as the clinical trials occurred before they were in wide circulation.
Trinity Health is confident in the safety and efficacy of the FDA-authorized, CDC-recommended Novavax vaccine. We strongly encourage everyone six months and older to be vaccinated with an age-appropriate vaccine, including staying up to date with recommended booster doses. Aligned with CDC and state guidelines, please stay up to date with your vaccinations for optimal protection against the virus, continue to mask, avoid large gatherings, stay six feet apart and wash your hands often.
As health care professionals, we have the responsibility to continue to be leaders in our communities. Our colleagues, families, friends, neighbors and acquaintances look to us for guidance and are influenced by our words and examples we set. Please encourage everyone to stay up to date with their vaccination and receive all boosters recommended for them. Your confidence in the vaccine’s safety and efficacy is impactful. Direct them to our information page and to the CDC and state vaccine information pages.