CBS News: Novavax could offer unvaccinated Americans a new option, if regulators agree

 On Monday, January 31, 2022, following the long-awaited submission of data, Novavax announced Monday that it had formally filed a request for emergency use authorization of its protein-based COVID-19 vaccine in the United States. If authorized, the Novavax shots could be the first COVID-19 vaccines in the United States manufactured on the basis of protein subunit” technology that has been used for decades in other routine vaccinations. Public health officials are hopeful that this alternative vaccine will persuade those that have been actively avoiding vaccination, specifically those that have been holding out because of their reluctance to take the mRNA vaccine and contribute to the overall vaccination goals. Protein subunit vaccines select only specific fragments of the virus to trigger an immune system response. This technique has been widely used in vaccines against hepatitis B and pertussis (whooping cough). The Novavax vaccine will also be combined with ingredients called adjuvants that can stimulate the body to train a better immune system response. This is different from the mRNA vaccines and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine that are available in the U.S today. The Novavax vaccine is set to be for individuals aged 18 or older. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), close to 90% of U.S. adults have already had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Read the full article here