The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially authorized the emergency use of Novavax’s updated Covid-19 vaccine, opening the door for its distribution this fall. Aimed at individuals aged 12 and older, this new vaccine offers a protein-based alternative to the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, which have been widely used since the pandemic began.
This updated Novavax vaccine targets the omicron subvariant JN.1, a variant that first appeared earlier this year. Although JN.1 represents only a small fraction of current Covid-19 cases in the U.S., the vaccine has shown effectiveness against several related variants that are now circulating more widely.
Novavax’s vaccine technology is based on a protein-based approach, which has a long history of use in other vaccines. This method might appeal to individuals who are cautious about mRNA technology, which is relatively new. Novavax has emphasized that its vaccine provides broad protection, covering several variants beyond JN.1.
Novavax plans to make the vaccine widely accessible across the country, with distribution in thousands of locations, including major pharmacies and grocery stores. The FDA’s approval has already boosted confidence in the company, with its shares climbing more than 8% following the announcement.
As the fall season approaches, the big question is how many Americans will take advantage of this new vaccine. With only 22.5% of U.S. adults receiving the latest Covid-19 booster shots last fall, public health officials are watching closely to see how the updated vaccines will be received this year.
