When COVID-19 vaccine was first made available, some people were worried about how it was developed. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were created with a technology called mRNA. mRNA vaccines had never been used before. Some of those people who worried about those vaccines said they would wait for something else that was created using more traditional technology.

Finally, after more than 18 months, these people have a choice. On July 19, the CDC recommended that adults who had not received any COVID-19 vaccines consider getting vaccinated with Novavax.

Novavax vaccine is a protein-based vaccine. Other protein-based vaccines that you may know of include the shingles vaccine, the HPV vaccine, and DTaP (which new parents should get to protect their newborn from pertussis). It’s been approved for use in other countries, and is now available here in Philadelphia.

Novavax vaccine is approved for adults. They would need to get two doses, and get the second dose three weeks after the first.

It’s not known yet if Novavax vaccine is protective against the Omicron variants, but it has been shown to significantly reduce your chances of getting severe COVID-19 or being hospitalized.

People who are interested in receiving Novavax vaccine can find it at any of the Health Department’s Health Center Annexes. Learn about availability by calling 215-685-2933.