SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – The FDA has cleared the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in adolescents ages 12-17 after it was approved for adults last month.
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Novavax utilizes protein-based technology, and offers another alternative to mRNA vaccines. Once the CDC signs off on it, providers can start administering shots to adolescents.
Novavax differs from the other vaccines in terms of delivery and technology, according to Dr. David Martinez, an immunologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who is studying immune responses to COVID-19 shots on KCBS Radio's "Ask an Expert" on Monday with Melissa Culross.
mRNA vaccines use people's own body cells to make the protein and code it with the mRNA, protein-based vaccines like Novavax already have the protein and don't need to do that, he said.
"Protein-based vaccines are really time-tested for various other types of human pathogens," said Martinez. "They've really been around for a while and really offer an attractive option for people who, for whatever reason, are still hesitant to either be vaccinated or even boosted with an mRNA vaccine."
The new vaccine is likely to appeal to those who still haven't been vaccinated, or boosted, for those who had an unpleasant reaction to the mRNA version.
While it's still unclear if an extended interval between doses would improve immune response and dampen the side effects, similar studies on mRNA vaccines have shown positive results.
"Having more options on the table will make it more accessible for more individuals," he said.
The use of the Novavax as a booster is currently under review with the FDA and is likely to be approved in the next few months depending on the data being reviewed.
"That could potentially also be a game-changer," he said.
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