COVID-19 Vaccine Communication from the Immunization Program Office
Approval of Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine
On June 19th, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine be used as an option for adults ages 18 years and older. Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is the first COVID-19 protein subunit vaccine recommended for use in the United States.
This vaccine contains proteins of the COVID-19 virus with an adjuvant. Protein subunit COVID-19 vaccines do not use any live virus. Protein subunit COVID-19 vaccines cannot cause infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 or other viruses. They do not affect or interact with our DNA. Hepatitis B and acellular pertussis vaccines are also protein subunit vaccines.
Novavax COVID-19 vaccine’s safety and effectiveness have been confirmed by clinical research and by the thousands of people who have already received it. Side effects such as fever, chills, tiredness, and headache are more common after the second dose of the vaccine. A rare risk for myocarditis and/or pericarditis has been observed following receipt of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (i.e., Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech) and Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.
Novavax COVID-19 vaccine does NOT contain eggs, preservatives, latex, or metals. See the full list of ingredients.
Dosing
Two doses, 0.5 mL each dose given intramuscularly (5 micrograms and 50 Micrograms of Matrix-M adjuvant) in the primary series, given 3–8* weeks apart.
*An 8-week interval between the first and second primary series doses of Novavax COVID-19 vaccines may be optimal for some people ages 6 months–64 years, especially for males ages 12–39 years, as it may reduce the small risk of myocarditis/pericarditis associated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. A shorter interval (3 weeks) between the first and second doses remains the recommended interval for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised; adults ages 65 years and older; and in situations in which there is increased concern about COVID-19 community levels or an individual’s higher risk of severe disease.
People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should also receive 2 doses, given 3 weeks apart (a 3rd primary dose is not currently authorized).
Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is not authorized for use as a booster dose.
Storage
The vaccine is stable at standard vaccine refrigeration temperatures (2°C to 8°C).
Novavax COVID-19 vaccine does not require a diluent.
Once opened, each vial must be used within 6 hours. This vaccine is available in 10-dose vials in cartons of 10 vials each (100 doses total), with a minimum order quantity of 100 doses.
The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is now available to order in ASIIS. Remember to be strategic when ordering as quantities are limited. If the minimum order quantity is too large for your practice, we recommend you use the ADHS Transfer Matchmaker tool to find a smaller quantity available near you or to post your excess doses.
Resources
CDC on Novavax COVID-19 vaccine
COVID-19 Interim Clinical Considerations
Novavax job aid
COVID-19 vaccine presentations available to order in ASIIS
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