Key TakeawaysNovavax’s updated COVID-19 vaccine is now authorized for U.S. teens and adults.The new version is designed to protect against currently circulating COVID-19 variants.The protein-based vaccine is the only immunization option that does not use mRNA technology.

Key Takeaways

Novavax’s updated COVID-19 vaccine is now authorized for U.S. teens and adults.The new version is designed to protect against currently circulating COVID-19 variants.The protein-based vaccine is the only immunization option that does not use mRNA technology.

Unlike Pfizer and Moderna, which use mRNA technology for their vaccines, Novavax uses a more traditional protein-based vaccine technology.Some scientists sayNovavax offers a valuable and effective alternative for people who are uncomfortable getting an mRNA vaccine.

Previously, the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that people could only get the Novavax shot if they had not had a primary series from Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson, or if they had a primary series and only one booster and refused to get additional mRNA boosters.

Now, anyone ages 12 years and older who was previously vaccinated against COVID-19 can receive one dose of the updated Novavax vaccine, and anyone who is unvaccinated get can two doses, as long as they haven’t yet received an updated Pfizer or Moderna shot.

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In a break from the traditional order of events, the CDC and its expert advisory panel hadalready recommendedthe vaccine before the FDA authorization. That means the company has all the regulatory approval it needs to start distributing vaccine doses.

Novavax said shots will soon be available at doctors’ offices, clinics, and local and national pharmacies, including at CVS Pharmacy and Rite Aid.

Like the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, the Novavax shot is monovalent, meaning it protects against one variant of COVID-19. In this case, it is designed to neutralize XBB.1.5, a variant that was dominant in early summer, when the formulations were decided upon. Non-clinical studies show that the vaccine can protect against currently circulating variants, too.

“COVID-19 is once again on the rise with infections and hospitalizations increasing, so it’s important that individuals get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones,” John C. Jacobs, President and Chief Executive Officer at Novavax, said in astatement. “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.”

According to thecompanyand the CDC, the most common side effects associated with the vaccine include headache, nausea, muscle pain, joint pain, injection site pain, and fatigue.

What This Means For YouNovavax vaccines should be available in doctors' offices, clinics, pharmacies, and at other vaccine distribution sites in the next few days. You can find a vaccine site atVaccines.gov.

What This Means For You

Novavax vaccines should be available in doctors' offices, clinics, pharmacies, and at other vaccine distribution sites in the next few days. You can find a vaccine site atVaccines.gov.

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The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.

6 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA Takes Action on Updated mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines to Better Protect Against Currently Circulating Variants.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CDC allows Novavax Monovalent COVID-19 boosters for adults ages 18 and older.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data in support of Novavax XBB.1.5 vaccine.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Novavax COVID-19 vaccine local reactions, systemic reactions, adverse events, and serious adverse events.

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