FDA authorizes Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for adults

The Food and Drug Administration yesterday authorized the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in adults, as recommended last month by its vaccine advisory committee. If the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends the vaccine for adults, the protein-based vaccine would offer an option to individuals who may have an allergic reaction to or prefer not to receive an mRNA vaccine. The departments of Health and Human Services and Defense this month secured 3.2 million doses of the vaccine to give states, federal pharmacy partners and federally qualified health centers. The two-dose vaccine can be stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius (about 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit), enabling the use of existing vaccine supply and cold chain channels.