Why the fifth vax will be a game changer

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Health Minister Greg Hunt has confirmed Australia will receive the world’s fifth Covid vaccine in early 2022. Here's what we know and why it could change everything for anti-vaxxers.

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The long-awaited Novavax, a traditional protein-based vaccine compared to the mRNA vaccines, is expected to be available soon as Australia’s drug regulator moves closer to giving it the green light.

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But as Omicron surges, Mr Hunt urged people not to wait and get any jab available.

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Once approved by the TGA, it requires the green light from Australia’s expert immunisation panel, ATAGI.

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Novavax uses a traditional vaccine technology by using purified pieces of the actual SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus spike protein to spur the production of antibodies. Two 0.5ml doses are required 21 days apart.

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Two trials involving more than 45,000 people in the US, Mexico and the UK resulted in efficacy of about 90 per cent with only mild or moderate side effects. There is currently limited data on efficacy against variants like Omicron.

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Novavax said severe reactions were “infrequent and there were no safety concerns related to vaccination”.

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Novavax could be a game-changer for vaccine sceptics wary of mRNA vaccine technology.

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Unlike the BioNTech-Pfizer and Moderna jabs that are created using mRNA technology, protein vaccines have been tried and tested for decades.

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Why the fifth vax will be a game changer

Health Minister Greg Hunt has confirmed Australia will receive the world’s fifth Covid vaccine in early 2022. Here's what we know and why it could change everything for anti-vaxxers.

The long-awaited Novavax, a traditional protein-based vaccine compared to the mRNA vaccines, is expected to be available soon as Australia’s drug regulator moves closer to giving it the green light.

“”

I’m hopeful that, subject to that data stacking up, that this will be available in January. It’s only worldwide, just going through these regulatory proposals.

But as Omicron surges, Mr Hunt urged people not to wait and get any jab available.

We recognise that there are some who, for their own reasons, have said that they would be waiting for the protein vaccine. Don’t wait, but it is nevertheless coming.

“”

Once approved by the TGA, it requires the green light from Australia’s expert immunisation panel, ATAGI.

The vaccine, sold under the brand name Nuvaxovid, is the fifth jab to be approved by the EU for adults in the fight against Covid.

Novavax uses a traditional vaccine technology by using purified pieces of the actual SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus spike protein to spur the production of antibodies. Two 0.5ml doses are required 21 days apart.

How does it work?

Two trials involving more than 45,000 people in the US, Mexico and the UK resulted in efficacy of about 90 per cent with only mild or moderate side effects. There is currently limited data on efficacy against variants like Omicron.

How effective is it?

Novavax said severe reactions were “infrequent and there were no safety concerns related to vaccination”.

Can it cause adverse reactions?

Novavax could be a game-changer for vaccine sceptics wary of mRNA vaccine technology.

Because it is protein-based, it's hoped it will persuade those who have so far refused to get the shot.

Unlike the BioNTech-Pfizer and Moderna jabs that are created using mRNA technology, protein vaccines have been tried and tested for decades.