The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the green light to Novavax’s updated Covid-19 vaccine, authorizing it for emergency use in individuals aged 12 and up. This decision paves the way for the vaccine to enter the market just as the fall and winter seasons approach, providing a new option alongside the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna.
Novavax’s vaccine is designed to target the omicron subvariant JN.1, a strain that emerged earlier this year. Although JN.1 currently accounts for only a small percentage of cases in the U.S., the vaccine has shown effectiveness against several related variants that are now more common. This broad-spectrum protection is particularly important as the virus continues to evolve.
Unlike the mRNA vaccines, Novavax’s offering is based on protein technology—a method that has been used in vaccines for many years, including those for hepatitis B. This could make Novavax’s vaccine an appealing choice for those who prefer traditional vaccination methods.
With the FDA’s approval, Novavax is preparing to distribute its vaccine widely across the United States, including in major retail and independent pharmacies. The market responded positively to the news, with Novavax’s shares rising more than 8%.
Despite the availability of this new vaccine, it remains uncertain how many people will choose to get vaccinated this fall, particularly in light of the low uptake of last year’s booster shots, which were received by only 22.5% of U.S. adults.
