Springfield-Greene Co. Health Department offering Novavax COVID-19 shots

Susan Szuch, Springfield News-Leader
·2 min read
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Greene County residents can sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine that uses "traditional" technology during a pop-up clinic on Aug. 18, according to the Springfield-Greene County Health Department.

The health department is offering limited doses of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, which gained recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on July 19.

Given the limited doses available to the health department, those who have an allergy to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines or their ingredients will be given early access to scheduling.

The clinic will be by appointment only from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Westside Public Health Center, 660 S. Scenic Ave.

Starting Aug. 10, people can schedule an appointment at vaccine417.com or 417-874-1211. Individuals with early access may schedule an appointment immediately. A total of 50 appointments are available.

More: CDC unanimously recommends Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine for adults

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is a 2-dose primary series for ages 18 and older. The vaccines are given 3 to 8 weeks apart. It is not currently authorized to be used in addition to the mRNA vaccine or as a third dose.

The Novavax vaccine uses protein subunits instead of mRNA: It injects lab-grown copies of the coronavirus spike protein into the body and provokes an immune response, which creates antibodies that will remember how to fight the virus in the future, according to the CDC. There is also another ingredient in the vaccine, an adjuvant, that helps enhance the body's immune response.

Other protein subunit vaccines include those that protect against hepatitis B, the human papilloma virus, pertussis, and diphtheria and tetanus toxoids.

More: With COVID-19 cases rising, CDC suggests Greene Co. residents mask up again

Individuals who get their Novavax COVID-19 vaccine doses will receive a $50 gift card as part of the gift card program while supplies last, according to the press release.

Greene County is currently at a medium community level for COVID-19, indicating severe illness from COVID-19 is significant, according to the CDC. People are advised to stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines, or to get vaccinated if they have not yet done so, as it protects against hospitalization.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit vaccine417.com.

Susan Szuch is the health and public policy reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at sszuch@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Greene Co. health dept. offering doses of new Novavax COVID-19 vaccine