The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially authorized the emergency use of Novavax’s updated protein-based Covid-19 vaccine for individuals aged 12 and older. This approval, announced on Friday, clears the path for the vaccine’s distribution ahead of the fall and winter seasons, offering an alternative to the mRNA vaccines produced by Pfizer and Moderna.
Novavax’s vaccine is engineered to target the omicron subvariant JN.1, a strain that emerged earlier this year. Although JN.1 currently represents only 0.2% of Covid-19 cases in the U.S., according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Novavax asserts that its vaccine provides broad protection against several related variants that are now more prevalent in the country, such as KP.2.3, KP.3, KP.3.1.1, and LB.1.
Unlike the mRNA vaccines, Novavax’s shot is based on a protein-based technology—a tried-and-true method used in other vaccines, like those for hepatitis B and shingles. This could make it an appealing choice for those wary of the newer mRNA technology.
Novavax plans to make the vaccine widely available across the United States, including in retail pharmacies and grocery stores. Following the FDA’s authorization, Novavax’s stock saw a significant increase of over 8%, reflecting optimism about its market prospects.
However, it remains to be seen how many Americans will opt for a Covid-19 vaccine this fall, given that only 22.5% of adults received the latest booster shots last year.