Residents will soon have access to a third COVID-19 vaccine option this fall.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said this week that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 12 years and older. This will provide additional COVID-19 vaccine options alongside vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna.
“COVID-19 vaccines have saved countless lives and prevented the severe consequences of COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus,” Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a statement. “The authorization provides additional COVID-19 vaccine options that meet the safety, efficacy, and manufacturing quality standards required by the FDA to support emergency use authorization. As we enter the fall and transition into 2024, we strongly encourage those who qualify Consider receiving newer COVID-19 vaccines that offer better protection against currently circulating variants.”
Novavax is a monovalent vaccine that has been updated to include the spike protein from the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant lineage XBB.1.5. Unlike the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna, the Novavax vaccine uses proteins to initiate an immune response, similar to shingles, hepatitis B and influenza vaccines.
“COVID-19 is once again on the rise as infections and hospitalizations increase, so it’s important for individuals to get vaccinated to It’s important to protect yourself and your loved ones.” “The authorization of Novavax…means people can now choose a protein-based, non-mRNA option to help protect themselves from COVID-19, which is currently the first coronavirus outbreak in the United States. The four leading causes of death. The U.S. can get the updated Novavax vaccine at pharmacies, doctor’s offices, clinics and various government agencies.”
The state health department said distribution plans for Novavax are still ongoing at the federal level, and many vaccine providers in Missouri are currently awaiting supplies.
The seasonal COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are still available this fall, but supplies may be limited in some places, state health departments say.
The number of patients testing positive or being hospitalized for COVID-19 increased slightly earlier this fall but has since tapered off, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC data shows COVID-19 deaths continue to rise slightly, trailing positive cases and hospitalizations by weeks.
To find a vaccine provider, visit MOstopsCOVID.com.