The Food and Drug Administration has given Novavax permission to begin marketing its COVID-19 vaccine. If authorised, it would be the fourth vaccine available in the US.
The Gaithersburg firm hopes that its protein-based vaccine will encourage those who have yet to be immunised against COVID-19 to do so.
Novavax filed for emergency use authorisation with the FDA last week after nearly two years. According to the firm, its vaccine provides unvaccinated people with a more comfortable option.
Like Pfizer and Moderna, it is a two-dose vaccine given three weeks apart. Novavax is based on protein subunit technology, whilst Pfizer and Moderna are mRNA vaccines. It’s the same strategy that’s been used to safeguard people for decades, with less adverse effects in many cases.
“Our vaccine technology is based on the same platform as other standard vaccines like HPV and Shingles,” stated Silvia Taylor of Novavax Global Corporate Affairs. “We believe that the fact that it’s a tried-and-true technology platform may persuade some vaccine sceptics to receive their vaccines.”
Many people have questioned whether a fourth vaccine is necessary. Currently, 64 percent of the population in the United States is completely vaccinated. Only individuals 18 and older would be eligible if Novavax is approved, and the bulk of that demographic has already received at least one dose of the vaccine.
Officials at Novavax, on the other hand, argue that the global demand for vaccines is still far larger, and that they want to persuade individuals who have been sceptical to change their thoughts.
“It’s still important for individuals to get vaccinated,” Taylor stated. “No one is safe until everyone is secure, thus it’s critical for the general public to receive their initial series and then their booster. We believe that our vaccine can be a valuable tool in helping people feel more secure and at ease when receiving vaccinations.”
This new vaccination has been shown to be 90 percent effective in clinical studies. Officials said they’ll apply for emergency use authorisation for those under the age of 18 as soon as possible.