U.S. regulators have authorized updated shots made by Novavax as another option for fall COVID-19 vaccination.
Previously, updated vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna were rolled out, intended for adults and children as young as 6 months. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now added a new choice by approving reformulated Novavax shots for anyone aged 12 and older.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has already recommended that most Americans get a fall COVID-19 vaccination, as the shots have been modified to protect against a newer strain of the coronavirus. Novavax stated that their shots will be available “in the coming days.”
Protection against COVID-19, whether from vaccination or a previous infection, decreases over time. As there has already been an increase in infections in late summer, health officials are hoping that enough people will receive the new shots to mitigate a winter wave.
Novavax produces a protein-based vaccine that is mixed with an immune-boosting chemical, which is a different technology compared to the mRNA vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna.
The rollout of the fall vaccines has been somewhat chaotic so far. Unlike before, the government is not purchasing and distributing the COVID-19 shots. This has resulted in ordering confusion from drugstores and doctors’ offices, distribution delays, and administrative issues with insurance companies, all of which have disrupted early appointment schedules.
The updated vaccine versions are supposed to be free for those with private insurance or Medicare. Additionally, the CDC has a program in place to temporarily provide free shots to those who are uninsured or underinsured.
