FDA, CDC authorizes Novavax vaccine for teens

A month after the federal government authorized Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine for adults, the drugmaker’s protein-based vaccine gained the CDC’s and FDA’s emergency use authorization for children 12 to 17 years old. 

Advertisement

The fourth COVID-19 vaccine option was authorized July 19 for ages 18 and up. Eligibility grew Aug. 22 to include anyone 12 and older after a phase 3 trial found a 78.3 percent efficacy rate among teenagers when the delta variant was dominant, according to Novavax.

The latecomer’s COVID-19 vaccine is based on technology older than mRNA-based vaccines like Pfizer’s and Moderna’s, which could entice those more comfortable with ingredients used in whooping cough and flu vaccines. As of Aug. 17, though, only 2.1 percent of the nation’s supply of Novavax’s vaccine has been administered, according to CDC data. 

Novavax is currently seeking federal authorization for its COVID-19 booster candidate. 

Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit

Advertisement

Next Up in Pharmacy

Advertisement

Comments are closed.