News item | 10-10-2022 | 14:26
Novavax can be used as a repeat shot for people aged 18 years and older and as a basic series for young people from 12 years old. This was decided by Minister Kuipers of Health, Welfare and Sport on the advice of the Health Council. The council emphasizes that preference is given to mRNA vaccines because it is not yet known how well Novavax protects against the omikron variant of the coronavirus. It is clear, however, that people who receive the basic series or a repeat shot with Novavax are better protected than people who have not been vaccinated or who have not had a repeat shot. For people who cannot or do not want to use an mRNA vaccine, Novavax will soon be available as a basic series from 12 years and as a repeat shot from 18 years.
Novavax as a repeat shot for adults
On September 1, 2022, the EMA has registered Novavax as a repeat shot for adults from 18 years of age. Based on the available data on the safety of the vaccine, the Health Council concludes that a repeat shot with the Novavax vaccine is sufficiently safe for people aged 18 and over. The side effects are usually mild and similar to those of the mRNA vaccines. In rare cases, as with vaccination with an mRNA vaccine, inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) and the pericardium (pericarditis) can develop.
Novavax as a basic series for young people from 12 years old
On June 23, 2022, the EMA registered Novavax for use as a basic series for young people from 12 years of age. It is not yet clear how well the basic series with Novavax protects young people against serious illness from the omikron variant of the coronavirus. However, young people who receive the basic shots with Novavax are better protected against corona than young people who have not been vaccinated. The Novavax vaccine is sufficiently safe for use in adolescents, the side effects are usually mild and no unexpected or serious side effects have been seen in the limited scientific data.
More information:
Novavax vaccine against COVID-19 only if mRNA vaccine cannot | Health Council