The next vaccine company likely to request emergency use from the FDA is Novavax. The company expects to submit its paperwork in the next two months. Here’s an FAQ on this vaccine if you are interested in learning more, as well as an article in the New York Times about the vaccine.
Q: How does the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine work?
A: Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine is a “protein subunit” vaccine. The vaccine uses a custom-made spike protein that mimics the natural spike protein that causes COVID-19. It exposes the immune system to the spike protein – and causes an antibody response – so the body will know how to fight off the virus if it comes into contact with it. Please see this article for more information: How the Novavax Covid-19 Vaccine Works – The New York Times In contrast, the vaccines made by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson contain instructions for the body to produce the spike protein on its own.
Q: Can the Novavax vaccine cause COVID-19?
A: No. The Novavax vaccine can neither replicate nor cause COVID-19.
Q: How is it different than the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines?
A: The vaccines made by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson contain instructions for the body to produce the spike protein on its own, while the Novavax vaccine contains a modified version of the spike protein itself, according to a recent NPR article. Click here to read the article for more details.
Q: Has the Novavax vaccine been granted EUA by the FDA?
A: Not yet. The company plans to file for regulatory authorizations in the third quarter. Upon regulatory approvals, Novavax plans to manufacture 100 million doses per month by the end of the third quarter and 150 million doses per month by the end of the fourth quarter of 2021.
Q: How many shots are required?
A: Two doses are required, 21 days apart.
Q: How effective is the Novavax vaccine?
A: The vaccine demonstrated 100% protection against moderate and severe disease, 90.4% efficacy overall, and met the primary endpoint in its PREVENT-19 Phase 3 trial.
Q: What are the side effects?
A: No single adverse event term was reported by more than 1% of participants in the Phase 3 trial, according to the company. Similar to the other vaccines, the most common side effects were fatigue, headache and muscle pain, lasting less than two days.
Q: Is there an age restriction on the Novavax vaccine?
A: In the clinical trials, the vaccine was tested on individuals 18 years old and older.
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