First thing first,
It is the fourth vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration and Centers in the USA for COVID-19 control and prevention.
However, Novavax is distinct from the other three vaccines.
The FDA reports found it to be almost 90% effective against COVID-19.
Novavax is lowering the risk of getting infected and death among vaccinated people.
But how is it different from the rest?
Unlike the other three vaccines, Novavax utilizes different and robust technology.
Means, it uses a more unique way of the delivery mechanism.
The common delivery mechanism is – body cells recognize that a protein doesn’t belong to the body. Therefore, the immune system responds against it by activating immune cells and producing new antibodies in order to strike against the virus.
But when it comes to the Novavax vaccine, the result is the same but the approach is distinct.
It already contains the spike protein along with the adjuvant.
The role of the adjuvant is to awaken the immune system to respond against the virus in a more stronger manner.
In addition to this, it also leads to the regeneration of the new T-cells and antibodies.
This approach isn’t new. It is an older and traditional one.
For instance, it was utilized before in vaccines to prevent – shingles, human papillomavirus, and DTaP.
As of its higher efficacy, Novavax is not only authorized in the USA but is also being used in almost 40 other countries including the UK and Canada.
Most common frequently asked questions for the Novavax vaccines
#1. Who can get the Novavax Vaccine and what is the time duration for the doses?
It is for everyone who is 18 or older. For adolescents, it’s still in the development phase.
Novavax vaccine is a two-dose series.
The time duration for the second dose is 3 weeks after the first dose.
#2. What are the side effects of the Novavax Vaccine?
The side effects arise within a week after getting vaccinated.
Fatigue, fever, headache, muscle pain, tiredness, joint pain, and vomiting are some common side effects that last a few days.
Furthermore, several allergic reactions are reported such as Myocarditis and Pericarditis.
As per the FDA statement, a vaccinated person needs to get medical treatment if they experience symptoms such as,
- Shortness of the breath
#3. Is Novavax Vaccine effective against Omicron?
The clinical trial for Novavax Vaccine is executed before the arrival of the Delta variant and Omicron.
Means, there is no proof (Scientific and data evidence) that indicates Novavax is convincing against the Omicron subvariant BA.5.
However, scientists already started a third phase of the clinical trial to test the booster on Omicron sub-variant BA.5 and BA.4.
How technology can help in speeding up the clinical trial process?
Clinical trials are not easy tasks to perform, especially when the entire world is facing 3 pandemics at the same time!
- COVID-19
- Monkeypox and
- Medical staff shortage
Technology is playing a significant role in speeding up the process of finding new ways to fight against these parameters.
For instance,
Pharmacy app development enables patients to get medicine at their doorstep. This helps them to avoid drug store visits in critical medical conditions while undergoing the clinical trial.
While on the other side, AI-backed health tech solutions let the scientist and clinical trial professionals get the best results out of their efforts without compromising the costs and time.
Means, it is a win-win situation for everyone.
To sum it all up
Novavax is effective!
Still, scientists and clinical trial rooms are trying their best to enhance its efficacy in order to not let people suffer the side effects while at the same time getting protection against COVID-19.
