Expert interviews: Protein-based COVID-19 vaccines

The COVID-19 public health emergency may be over, but vaccine manufacturers are still working to update immunizations against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.during an interview drug topicSeth Toback, MD, senior vice president of medical affairs at Novavax, discusses the development of the company’s protein-based COVID-19 vaccine and shares some counseling points pharmacists can use when discussing vaccination with patients.

Can you briefly explain how the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine works?

Novavax COVID-19 Adjuvanted Vaccine is a protein subunit vaccine produced using established technology that is also used in some seasonal influenza, human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B vaccines. The vaccine presents harmless fragments of the spike protein portion of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to the immune system, triggering an immune response.

The vaccine also contains an adjuvant called Matrix-M, which boosts the immune response to the spike protein. Matrix-M is Novavax’s proprietary product derived from saponins, which are naturally occurring compounds in the bark of trees Quillaja (Quapia saponica) tree, common in Chile.

Understanding how to respond to the spike protein could help prevent COVID-19 by allowing the immune system to respond quickly when exposed to the actual viral spike protein.

Overall, protein-based vaccines deliver ready-made proteins directly to your immune system.

What is the history of protein-based vaccines? Are there any benefits to these types of vaccines?

Protein-based vaccines, such as the hepatitis B vaccine introduced in the 1980s, have a long history of use. As mentioned earlier, they contain harmless fragments of the pathogen, such as proteins or protein fragments, rather than the entire organism. They do not contain any live viruses.

Protein-based vaccines have a long record of safety and effectiveness and have been used for many years with well-documented safety profiles. Additionally, protein vaccines can be stored and shipped at standard refrigerator temperatures, which could simplify logistics and distribution. From a workflow perspective, this can bring convenience to pharmacists.

The FDA, CDC and ACIP have all signed off on changes to recommended COVID-19 vaccination schedules. Is the Novavax vaccine an appropriate option for patients who have previously received mRNA immunization?

On October 3, 2023, Novavax received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for its 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine formulation for individuals 12 years and older in the United States.¹ This FDA authorization, along with recommendations from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting on September 12,² Making Novavax’s vaccine the only protein-based, non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine option available in the United States.

Eligible patients can receive the vaccine regardless of which COVID-19 vaccine they have received in the past. For individuals who have previously received any COVID-19 vaccine, a single dose of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine can be administered at least 2 months after the last COVID-19 vaccine.

We know that overall, there is still some hesitancy about COVID-19 vaccines. Given this hesitancy, can you share some key points and advice with pharmacists about the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine?

Pharmacists play a critical role in addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and providing accurate, timely information to patients. This pandemic has certainly highlighted the value of the knowledge and accessibility that pharmacists provide to their communities and overall public health. They have been and will continue to be a trusted resource for patients.

Because so many immunizations are administered in pharmacies, pharmacists are in the best position to have conversations with patients about the vaccine, understand any hesitations they may have, and correct any misinformation. By providing a safe, nonjudgmental environment, pharmacists can ask open-ended questions to seek to understand potential issues. As a result, patients can feel heard and respected, and pharmacists can provide tailored consultations in a compassionate manner.

When talking to appropriate patients about Novavax COVID-19 Adjuvanted Vaccine (2023-2024 Formulations), there is some information patients may want to know:

• The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine uses traditional protein-based technology. Many people may have already received a protein-based vaccine because it uses similar technology to some flu and hepatitis B vaccines.
• There are many options when it comes to getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Individuals 12 years and older can receive the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, even if they have previously received the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine
• Common side effects include injection site reactions, fatigue or feeling unwell, muscle pain, headache, joint pain, and nausea.For a complete list, see the Vaccine Provider Fact Sheet

Finally, it may be helpful to remind patients that, per CDC guidance, the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine can be co-administered with influenza and RSV vaccines to eligible patients.

Pharmacists can refer to the Vaccine Provider Fact Sheet https://novavax.widen.net/s/9tkdmzh9z6/us-eua-fact-sheet-hcp and visit https://us-hcp.novavaxcovidvaccine.com for more information. They can also refer patients to the vaccine recipient fact sheet at https://novavax.widen.net/s/9mtxjf6rjv/us-eua-fact-sheet-recipients and https://us.novavaxcovidvaccine.com for information More information.

Do you have any other points we haven’t mentioned?

Overall, Novavax is pleased to offer patients a choice of COVID-19 vaccination types, a COVID-19 vaccine based on proven vaccine technology. The Novavax team also gratefully recognizes the tremendous role pharmacists play in delivering immunization services and helping educate the community.

refer to

1. The FDA authorized an updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine designed to better protect against currently circulating variants. Press Releases. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. October 3, 2023. Accessed October 27, 2023. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-updated-novavax-covid-19-vaccine-formulated-better-protect-against-now

2. Regan JJ, Moulia DL, Link-Gelles R, et al. Use of updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine formulations in persons 6 months of age and older: Recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices – United States, September 2023. MMWR Morb Mortal Weekly Rep. 2023;72(42):1140-1146. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7242e1