If, like me, you’ve got been ready for the brand new, up to date single-strain, XBB.1.5-focused Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, right this moment introduced some nice information for people dwelling in the USA—the vaccine obtained Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA and is now included within the CDC’s vaccine suggestions, in accordance with a press release launched right this moment from Novavax. CNBC additional explains:
The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention is now together with Novavax’s shot in the identical advice it issued final month for up to date vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. That advice says all Individuals ages six months and older can obtain an up to date Covid jab.
Novavax stated in a press release that doses of the shot will seemingly be accessible inside the subsequent few days.
“Novavax’s authorization right this moment means individuals will now have the selection of a protein-based non-MRNA possibility to assist defend themselves towards Covid-19, which is now the fourth main reason for dying within the U.S.,” stated Novavax CEO John Jacobs within the assertion. “Within the coming days, people within the U.S. can go to main pharmacies, physicians’ workplaces, clinics and numerous authorities entities to obtain an up to date Novavax vaccine.”
The Novavax vaccine is a protein-based various to Pfizer and Moderna’s mRNA vaccines. It additionally contains an adjuvant—a substance added to a vaccine that enhances the physique’s immune response—referred to as “Matrix-M.” Matrix-M is created from saponins harvested from the interior bark of the Chilean soapbark tree. It is also the adjuvant that’s featured within the new R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine that was developed by The College of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India, and that was not too long ago advisable to be used by the World Well being Group’s Strategic Advisory Group of Specialists (SAGE) and the Malaria Coverage Advisory Group (MPAG).
I’m personally thrilled about this growth, as a while in the past I switched from mRNA to Novavax, and shall be in search of out the brand new Novavax as quickly because it arrives in my native pharmacies. If you wish to be taught extra about saponins, the soapbark tree, and the Matrix-M adjuvant, learn this fascinating article in The Atlantic.