US Clear Novavax COVID Booster Dose

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Wednesday approved a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Novavax.

The Meals and Drug Administration stated the brand new booster possibility is for folks 18 and older who can’t get the up to date omicron-targeting Pfizer or Moderna boosters for medical or accessibility causes — or who in any other case wouldn’t obtain a COVID-19 booster shot in any respect.

The FDA specified the extra Novavax shot was for use as a primary booster — not for individuals who’ve already had a number of booster doses already — not less than six months after finishing their main pictures.

Novavax’s preliminary two-dose pictures have been accessible for the reason that summer time. Novavax is a protein-based vaccine not like the opposite COVID-19 vaccines accessible within the U.S. together with Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson.

About 48 % of Individuals who obtained their main vaccinations have by no means obtained that all-important first booster.

“Providing one other vaccine selection might assist enhance COVID-19 booster vaccination charges for these adults,” stated Novavax CEO Stanley Erck in a press release.

The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention additionally signed off on the choice after the FDA.

U.S. well being officers have been encouraging Individuals to get these up to date Pfizer and Moderna boosters to bolster safety in opposition to the most typical omicron strains forward of an anticipated winter surge.

The brand new Novavax booster is made with that firm’s unique method; it nonetheless is testing an omicron-targeted recipe.