Novavax has been authorized since February 2022. In particular, it allows people who are refractory to mRNA vaccine vaccines to have another solution for getting vaccinated.
Currently, the epidemic is progressing even though the vaccination rate of the French is insufficient. Also, thn addition to mRNA vaccines, on December 8 HAS gave the green light to the integration of two new booster vaccines: the VidPrevtyn® Beta vaccine from Sanofi, and the Nuvaxovid® vaccine from Novavax.
These two vaccines are to be used as second-line, since the HAS maintains its recommendation to preferentially use bivalent mRNA vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna, regardless of the vaccines used previously.
What is the principle of Novavax?
THE Novavax vaccine (Nuvaxovid) is a vaccine recombinant protein which uses the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 combined with an adjuvant. These two components promote the immune response of B and T lymphocytes against the Spike protein, and stimulate the production of neutralizing antibodies.
For the record, this vaccine is administered intramuscularly and can be used regardless of the vaccine used previously. The data available for homologous (same vaccine used previously) and heterologous (another vaccine was used previously) booster dose show favorable results in terms of immune response, as well as vaccine tolerance comparable to that of other vaccines.
In this regard, “HAS recommends the Nuvaxovid® vaccine as a homologous booster dose to allow people who have received a primary vaccination to receive a booster. It gives a favorable opinion for its use as a heterologous booster in adults aged 18 and over who no longer wish or can no longer receive mRNA vaccines. Pending additional data, it recommends preferably using mRNA vaccines for the booster dose of pregnant women”, specifies the HAS press release.
What effectiveness against severe forms and transmission?
According to the High Authority for Health, thehe data from the various studies highlight very good efficacy of Nuvaxovid® against symptomatic forms of Covid-19 (nearly 90%)and especially against severe forms with nearly 100% efficacy.
However, long-term efficacy, efficacy against Sars-Cov-2 transmission and efficacy against Delta and Omicron variants remain to be confirmed (they indeed emerged after clinical trials).
Novavax, for whom? How ?
The Novavax vaccine is effective and useful in meeting the needs of people reluctant to mRNA vaccines and those with a contraindication.
This vaccine can be stored in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C, protected from light, for up to 6 months.
Side effects?
Tolerance data is satisfactory, estimates the HAS. THE the most common side effects are generally “mild” to “moderate” in severity and of short duration : sensitivity (69 %) and pain (58 %) at injection site, fatigue (47 %), headache (43 %) and malaise (37 %). Their frequency is higher in adults under 65 years.
Sources:
- Covid-19: two new booster vaccines, an opportunity to remobilize the French, HAS, December 8, 2022
- Press briefing from the Ministry of Health, February 22, 2022.
- HAS, January 14, 2022.
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