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After vital delays in manufacturing and approval, Novavax – the primary protein-based vaccine towards COVID permitted in Australia – is now out there.
Unvaccinated Australians can obtain Novavax for his or her first and second doses, at the very least three weeks aside, at pharmacies, GP clinics and vaccination hubs.
So what makes Novavax completely different from the opposite vaccines? And why are some individuals ready for it to get vaccinated?
What’s Novavax?
Novavax (or Nuvaxovid) is a protein-based vaccine, which means it accommodates a protein fragment of the COVID spike protein.
These fragments are taken by specialised immune cells which direct an immune response towards the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID.
Whereas these proteins are from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, there isn’t a dwell virus within the vaccine, and it can’t trigger COVID.
The corporate doesn’t even use SARS-CoV-2 virus to collect the protein, as a substitute utilizing moth cells which have been engineered to supply it.
Every of the 2 0.5ml doses include 5 micrograms of the spike protein and 50 micrograms of an adjuvant referred to as Matrix-M. An adjuvant is a compound which stimulates the immune system. It ensures the immune system picks up the protein fragments.
Matrix-M is a compound derived from the soapbark plant (Quillaja saponaria). It varieties a part of the plant’s defence towards bugs and is used to enhance the immune response with protein vaccines.
After injection, immune cells quickly transfer to the injection website and clear each the adjuvant and viral proteins.
Learn extra:
What’s Novavax, Australia’s third COVID vaccine possibility? And when will we get it?
Who can get Novavax?
In Australia, Novavax is just permitted to be used in adults aged 18 and over, and solely as a major course of therapy – for doses one and two.
So far, there isn’t a revealed knowledge out there on its efficacy and security in youngsters, or as a booster for adults.
This will likely change in coming months as paediatric and booster dose research proceed and extra knowledge on that is offered to Australia’s regulator, the Therapeutic Items Administraion (TGA).
How efficient is it?
Novavax has been proven to be efficient in scientific trials, notably towards the unique, Alpha and Beta variants. In these research, Novavax provided 90-92% safety towards symptomatic illness, and better safety towards hospitalisation.
A research later confirmed a decrease efficacy (60%) in South Africa towards Beta, although it was small and complex by a big HIV-positive inhabitants.
Nonetheless, there isn’t a particular proof of its efficacy towards Omicron. The corporate reported in a press launch its ongoing trial in 12 to 17 12 months olds has proven “strong immune responses”, although these experiences are unverified by scientists.
Is it secure? What are the uncomfortable side effects?
Novavax has an identical security profile to the opposite vaccines, with quite a lot of widespread instant uncomfortable side effects. These occurred in round 60% of these receiving a primary dose and 80% with second dose.
The commonest uncomfortable side effects had been injection website ache and tenderness, headache, fatigue and muscle ache.
The commonest facet impact is ache and tenderness on the injection website.
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So far, no uncommon severe circumstances are related to Novavax. This contains blood clots related to AstraZeneca. Whereas there have been three instances of coronary heart irritation within the trials, one was within the placebo group and the opposite two are but to be clearly linked to the vaccine, as a result of rarity of the adversarial occasion.
Nonetheless, additional uncomfortable side effects could emerge because the vaccine rolls out throughout a bigger inhabitants, as was the case with the opposite vaccines.
Why are some ready?
Some individuals have been ready for Novavax to get vaccinated towards COVID, due to fears concerning the mechanisms by which different vaccines work.
Whereas Novavax instantly locations the COVID spike protein in attain of the immune system, the mRNA (Moderna and Pfizer) and vector (AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson) vaccines benefit from our our bodies’ personal protein-making techniques to supply it within the physique.
This has been the centre of a mass misinformation marketing campaign falsely claiming they trigger everlasting adjustments to our genetics, and due to this fact have long-term penalties. That is unfaithful however has nonetheless brought about concern and vaccine hesitancy in some individuals.
Learn extra:
No, COVID vaccines don’t remain in your physique for years
Others who’re unable to obtain the mRNA or vector vaccines, equivalent to these with polyethylene glycol (PEG) allergic reactions, might be able to obtain Novavax.
Additional, some spiritual believers have considerations about how some COVID vaccines had been developed utilizing human embryonic cell strains, nonetheless these are cell strains grown in a lab from samples collected a long time in the past. No embryonic cells are included within the precise vaccines.
Learn extra:
Cells from human foetuses are vital for creating vaccines – however they’re not an ingredient
Novavax, in distinction, was developed utilizing a moth cell line.
Regardless of the causes for selecting Novavax, its a welcome addition to Australia’s suite of vaccines and can probably enhance our safety towards COVID.
Vasso Apostolopoulos COVID-19 analysis has obtained inner funding from Victoria College place-based Planetary Well being analysis grant and from philanthropic donations.
Jack Feehan doesn’t work for, seek the advice of, personal shares in or obtain funding from any firm or organisation that might profit from this text, and has disclosed no related affiliations past their educational appointment.
