Novavax Launches Protein-Based COVID Vaccine This Season
- New COVID vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax are available this season.
- Novavax is a protein-based vaccine authorized for adults and children aged 12 and older, with a retail price of approximately $191.
- Early research suggests Novavax may have fewer short-term side effects, highlighting the importance of having multiple vaccine options.
This season, new COVID vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax are available to help reduce hospitalization risks. Novavax offers a protein-based vaccine, appealing to those who prefer a more traditional vaccination method compared to the mRNA technology used by Pfizer and Moderna. The FDA has authorized Novavax for adults and children aged 12 and older, but it is not available for younger children. The Bridge Access Program, which provided free vaccines to uninsured individuals, ended early due to funding issues, leading to a retail price of approximately $191 for Novavax. Early research suggests that Novavax may have fewer short-term side effects than mRNA vaccines, although this is not definitively established. As COVID-19 continues to spread, understanding the effectiveness and side effects of these vaccines will be crucial for public health recommendations.