AAFP Affirms Use of Novavax Vaccine in Adolescents
August 25, 2022, 12:00 p.m. News Staff — The Academy, following an expedited review of the evidence, has approved an Aug. 19 emergency use authorization from the FDA that allows for the use of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine in children and adolescents ages 12 to 17 years. In response, the AAFP has updated its COVID-19 and COVID-19 Vaccine webpages to reflect the latest information.
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., signed a decision memo Aug. 22 recommending that the vaccine be used as a primary vaccine option for patients in this age group.
According to an updated FDA fact sheet for vaccination providers, the primary series of the vaccine is to be administered intramuscularly in two doses (0.5 mL each) given three weeks apart.
“Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine, which is available now, is an important tool in the pandemic and provides a more familiar type of COVID-19 vaccine technology for adolescents,” the CDC said in a media statement. “Having multiple types of vaccines offers more options and flexibility for the public, jurisdictions and vaccine providers.”
This Novavax vaccine is the first protein-based COVID-19 vaccine authorized for use in the United States. It initially received approval for use in adults ages 18 and older in July.
Be sure to visit the Academy’s COVID-19 webpage for additional news and updates.