Novavax set to be approved for Covid booster shot

Australia’s expert immunisation panel have recommended Novavax get the green light to be used as a booster “in Australians aged 18 and over where an mRNA vaccine is not suitable”.

Novavax is set to be approved as a Covid booster shot for Aussies aged 18 years and over.

Australia’s expert immunisation panel is on Wednesday expected to give the protein-based vaccine its tick of approval following the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation’s recommendation for the use of the Novavax vaccine as a booster.

This means clinicians will be able to give a Novavax jab to people for whom other booster shots are not suitable, such as people who had myocarditis, or those who don’t want an mRNA vaccine.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has deemed the Covid shot safe and effective. However, it is yet to give widespread approval for use as a booster.

Once this occurs, Novavax will be a readily available booster option.

Recent data from the US shows Novavax is an effective booster and provides good protection when given following two mRNA vaccines.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt confirmed on Wednesday the Therapeutic Goods Administration is currently considering an application for whole of population use of the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine as a booster following a two-dose course of either the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccine or the AstraZeneca vaccine.

The TGA and ATAGI continue to review emerging evidence on all COVID-19 Vaccines.

Covid booster shots are available to Australians aged 16 and over. However, Novavax is yet to be approved for people aged under 18 years.

The pharmaceutical company is soon expected to make an application for its Covid jab to be given to younger cohorts.