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Novavax could be alternative for COVID-19 vaccine hesitant, if approved

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A Hamilton-based infectious diseases specialist says the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine could be an alternative for those who are skeptical about getting the jab.

Novavax is a protein-based vaccine that uses different technology than mRNA vaccines such as the Moderna and Pfizer shots.

“Many people with their hesitations toward mRNA technology could be considered for this vaccine,” Dr. Zain Chagla said in a Morning Live interview Friday.

“People who have reactions to mRNA vaccines could be considered for this vaccine.”

Novavax Inc. received temporary approval on Thursday to use its vaccine in those above 18 years old in Britain and New Zealand. On Tuesday, Novavax formally requested the Food and Drug Administration to give emergency use authorization for its vaccine in the U.S.

Officials with the biotech company say two late-stage trials in the U.S., Mexico and the UK show a roughly 90 per cent overall efficacy rate.

If approved, it would be given in two doses, three weeks apart.

Novavax completed its submission to Health Canada for authorization in this country in November 2021.

“It may help with the global supply chain as well,” Chagla said of the Novavax shot.

“This is the one that may have a manufacturing facility in Canada…to be able to build this in Canada as compared to importing it from abroad.”