Novavax is a Maryland-based biotech company that has taken a traditional approach to developing a vaccine against COVID-19.
This put Novavax behind its competitors, but early results showed promise.
The company announced the vaccine was 90% effective overall in the PREVENT-19 Phase 3 trial.
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And it was 100% effective against moderate and severe disease.
This jot down of technology has been used to produce other vaccines like the hepatitis B and HPV vaccines.
Novavax’s vaccine uses a custom-made spike protein that mimics the natural spike protein in the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
How Effective Is It?
Early vaccine trial results published by Novavax revealed a strong antibody response to the vaccine in animals.
It was also 100% effective against moderate and severe disease.
The trial was conducted when the Alpha variant B.1.1.7 was the predominant strain in the U.S. ## When Was It Made Available?
However, Novavax was behind its competitors when it came to clinical trials.
To help provide protection against newer variants, Novavax began developing updated vaccines.
In December 2021, Novavax began development of a vaccine targeting the Omicron variant.
In October 2023, the FDA authorized theirupdated vaccineformula designed to protect against the XBB.1.5 Omicron variant.
For the 2024-2025 update, the formula was updated to target the JN.1 Omicron variant.
Who Can Get the Novavax Vaccine?
The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is available for everyone 12 years and older.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
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