Novavax Covid vaccine available at 320 pharmacies and GP clinics in Victoria

The protein-based Novavax Covid vaccine will be available to book this week as the Federal Health Minister says it will give “a further option” to people who haven’t been vaccinated yet.

More than 320 pharmacies and GP clinics across Victoria will begin offering Novavax vaccines from this week.

The protein-based Covid vaccine was approved in January and is hoped to push adult vaccination coverage beyond 96 per cent.

The Herald Sun can reveal at least 431 of 466 facilities that have registered to give the shots have ordered doses.

These will be delivered across the state from Wednesday, after batch tests were given the green light from Australia’s drug regulator.

Brimbank boasts the highest number of sites, 27, offering Novavax vaccines, followed by Casey, 24, and Melbourne, 20.

About 200,000 Aussies are expected to roll-up their sleeves for the jab.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the Scientia Clinical Research Ltd lab in Randwick. Picture: Getty

“Novavax adds another tool to our Covid-19 response, ensuring Australians can stay safe and we can continue to open safely,” Health Minister Greg Hunt said.

“Approximately 4 per cent of Australians are yet to receive a vaccination and, as such, this is about providing a further option.”

Authorities also hope the company will make an application to the Therapeutic Goods Administration for its Covid jab to be used as a booster.

The first Novavax jab was given at Medical One in Elwood on Friday. More than 3000 vaccination clinics across the country are offering the jab.

Bookings are available on health.gov.au or via GPs, pharmacies and state clinics.