What People Should Know About the Novavax COVID‑19 Vaccine

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine offers a different choice for those who may have been hesitant about previous vaccines. But with its later entry into the pandemic, many are asking: What sets Novavax apart from earlier options? Understanding these distinctions can be crucial for making an informed decision.

The American Medical Association (AMA) “What Doctors Wish Patients Knew” series allows physicians to explain key insights for patients — and in this article, we draw from insights from Dr. Sandra Fryhofer, chair of the AMA Board of Trustees and liaison to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

Primary Vaccination Only

Dr. Fryhofer notes: “We now have a third type of vaccine in the fight against COVID.” A two-dose series of Novavax is recommended for unvaccinated individuals aged 12 and older for primary vaccination.

Importantly: the same product must be used for both doses — you cannot mix and match with a different vaccine type.

Familiar Technology, Not Brand-New

Unlike mRNA vaccines, Novavax is a protein-subunit vaccine with an adjuvant to boost the immune response. Dr. Fryhofer explains that while this platform is newer in the COVID-19 space, it’s been used for decades for other vaccines (flu, hepatitis B, whooping cough).

No Booster Authorization (Yet)

As of now, Novavax is authorized only for the primary series. Booster use has not yet been authorized by the FDA. However, Novavax has submitted booster data and studies are ongoing to assess its use after mRNA primary series.

Effectiveness: Some Data, But With Caveats

In the studies submitted for FDA review, Novavax showed about 90 % effectiveness overall at preventing COVID-19. However, effectiveness in those aged 65 or older was lower (about 79 %), and intriguingly, efficacy in Hispanic participants was about 77 %.

A key limitation: the trials were done before the Omicron variant became dominant, so we don’t yet know how Novavax performs against current circulating variants.

Side Effects & Safety Profile

The side-effect profile is similar to other COVID vaccines: fatigue, muscle and joint pain, headache, maybe some nausea or fever — typically lasting one to two days.

There have been reports of myocarditis and pericarditis in clinical trials and early post-authorization use (though very rare). Dr. Fryhofer also reminds patients to seek medical care if they experience chest pain, shortness of breath, pounding heart or fluttering after vaccination.

Storage & Logistics: Straightforward

Novavax comes in 10-dose vials, preservative free. A single dose contains 5 micrograms of protein antigen plus 50 micrograms of a proprietary adjuvant (Matrix-M). It is administered intramuscularly in the deltoid.

One advantage: It can be stored in standard refrigerator temperatures (no freezing required). No dilution is necessary, but once a vial is punctured, it must be discarded if unused after six hours.

Dose Interval & Co-Administration

Although the clinical trials used a 3-week interval between doses, the CDC allows an extension to up to eight weeks in some populations (based on data from mRNA vaccines) — though no Novavax-specific trial data exists for the longer interval. Particularly for young adult males, this may reduce myocarditis risk while optimizing immune response. Immunocompromised persons should stick to the 3-week interval.

Regarding co-administration: Flu shots and Novavax can be given at the same time, as can most other vaccines except orthopoxvirus vaccines (e.g., ACAM2000, JYNNEOS). If you’ve had an orthopox vaccine, you may need to wait about 4 weeks before getting a COVID vaccine.

Why This Matters for Justice Watchdog Readers

As advocates and observers of health policy, civil liberties and public transparency, it’s important to know how vaccine options differ — not just technically, but in how they’re communicated to the public, how authorization processes work, how data limitations are framed, and how individual choice is preserved. The Novavax vaccine adds to the landscape of options, which in turn affects access, trust, and policy rollout.

What You Should Do Next

If you’re considering the Novavax vaccine (or advising someone who is):

• Discuss with your doctor whether the protein-subunit platform better suits your preferences or medical history.

• Ask about the interval and whether extending beyond 3 weeks is appropriate for you.

• If you’ve previously had an orthopoxvirus vaccine, raise the timing with your provider.

• Monitor any new authorizations: Novavax boosters and updated variant versions may be pending.

• Get vaccinated if eligible — the best vaccine is the one you can get in a timely manner.

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