Updated non-mrna COVID vaccine Novavax doses cost $130. What to know about coronavirus vax
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The U.S. just approved the updated non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine made by Novavax for use and millions of doses are already being distributed across the country.
“Novavax’s authorization today means people will now have the choice of a protein-based non-MRNA option to help protect themselves against COVID-19, which is now the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.,” Novavax CEO John Jacobs said in a statement.
“In the coming days, individuals in the U.S. can go to major pharmacies, physicians’ offices, clinics and various government entities to receive an updated Novavax vaccine.”
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The updated Novavax shot is authorized for use by anyone age 21 and older, and it uses a different technology to trigger the protection than mRNA vaccines. How Novavax compares to the shots made by Pfizer and Moderna isn’t clear, according to Science magazine. No head-to-head studies are comparing the two types of vaccines, but Novavax appeared less likely to cause side effects like headache and fatigue.
Here’s what to know about the updated non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, Novavax.
What is Novavax?
Novavax is the fourth COVID-19 vaccine to be administered in the U.S. and goes by the brand names Nuvaxovid and Covovax. As a non-mRNA vaccine, Novavax works differently than the Pfizer and Moderna variants. It is a protein adjuvant and it had a 90% efficacy in its clinical trials, working almost as well as its mRNA counterparts.
Is Novavax FDA approved?
Yes. The FDA authorized Novavax to allow for a new adjuvanted 2023-24 vaccine for people ages 12 and older that targets the XBB1.5 strain in October. It is the only non-mRNA updated COVID vaccine available in the U.S.
Who can get Novavax?
People 12 and older. There are specific recommendations for the following groups, noting that anyone who recently had COVID may need to consider delaying their vaccination by 3 months, according to Yale Medicine:
Anyone previously vaccinated with any COVID-19 vaccine may get one dose of the Novavax 2023-24 updated vaccine at least 2 months after their last dose of an original or bivalent vaccine.
Individuals not previously vaccinated with any COVID-19 vaccine may get two doses administered three weeks apart.
Those who are immunocompromised may get an additional dose at least 2 months following the last dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine (2023-2024 Formula). Additional doses may be administered at the discretion of a health care provider with the timing based on the individual’s clinical circumstances.
How much does Novavax cost?
Novavax has set the list price of its shot at $130 per dose, about in line with the $120 list for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and $129 for Moderna's.
How effective is Novavax?
Novavax showed to be 90% effective overall against lab-confirmed, symptomatic infection and 100% effective against moderate and severe disease in Phase 3 trial results published in The New England Journal of Medicine in December 2021.
It is reportedly effective against emerging strains of COVID-19 like the Omicron subvariant EG.5.
What are the side effects of Novavax?
Like other vaccines, you may experience tenderness at the injection site, fatigue, headache or muscle pain. There were rare cases of myocarditis and pericarditis (six cases in 40,000 participants) in the clinical trial.
Where to get a COVID vaccine in Florida?
You can receive the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines at participating pharmacies and provider offices. The easiest way to find those locations is to visit Vaccines.gov or calling 1-800-232-0233.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Updated non-mrna COVID vaccine Novavax doses cost $130. What to know
