Novavax – first protein vaccine now available
GPs are advised that Australia’s first protein vaccine, Novavax has joined the national rollout.
The Department of Health has advised the AMA that the vaccine is now available through select general practices, community pharmacies and state clinics across the country. The Australian Government has secured 51 million doses of Novavax to compliment the vaccine rollout.
One of five vaccines now approved for use in Australia, Novavax has been proven safe and effective in protecting against severe illness or death associated with COVID-19 infection. Novavax is the first protein-based COVID-19 vaccine to be provisionally approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
The availability of Novavax means those patients who have been waiting for a protein-based vaccine can now undertake their primary course of vaccination against COVID-19.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends Novavax for people aged 18 years and older for their primary course of vaccination, with two doses to be administered three weeks apart. Novavax does not currently have approval to be used for paediatric patients, or for booster shots, but studies into its use for both are ongoing.
See the ATAGI statement here
