SRHD Supports Authorization of Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine for Adults 18+
Kelli Hawkins, SRHD | khawkins@srhd.org | 509.324.1539, c 509.994.8968
Spokane, Wash. – The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup reviewed the federal process and has recommended authorized emergency use of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 to include use in adults ages 18 and older. Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) supports their recommendation and will begin offering doses to providers through their vaccine depot as soon as vaccine shipments arrive.
Dr. Francisco Velázquez, health officer for SRHD, said, “Novavax gives people a more traditional, protein-based COVID-19 vaccine option, one they may be more comfortable with. We are excited to have four vaccine options that are excellent at the prevention of COVID-19, including the prevention of severe symptoms and outcomes that result in hospitalization and mortality.”
The Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted, is administered as a two-dose primary series, three weeks apart. The vaccine contains the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and Matrix-M adjuvant. Adjuvants are incorporated into some vaccines to enhance the immune response of the vaccinated individual.
Velázquez encourages families to connect with their healthcare provider to learn more about the vaccines and to find out if their healthcare provider is offering the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine if that is the vaccine you prefer.
Velázquez explained as more of our population can be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the less we’ll see of virus transmission and hospitalizations, and the safer it is for all members of the community to return to public activities and the freedom to be around others.
It is prudent to reach out to your provider or pharmacy before visiting in person, as not all providers are offering the vaccine. Vaccine shipments are expected to arrive from the Washington State Department of Health this week.
“The vaccines continue to be effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, including against the Delta and Omicron variants. We continue to see highly effective protection against hospitalizations and severe outcomes for people who are fully vaccinated,” said Velázquez.
Those who are eligible for the initial vaccine series or a booster are encouraged to use DOH’s VaccineLocator.doh.wa.gov website or call the COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127, then press # to be directed to vaccine providers in Spokane County. Language assistance is available. In addition, the SRHD website provides a map of those providers who offer the pediatric vaccines.
Health care providers are asked to enroll in vaccine administration by completing the COVID-19 Provider Inquiry Form on the DOH COVID-19 Vaccination Program Enrollment webpage (under COVID-19 Vaccination Program Enrollment).