October 4, 2023

Bonus post for bonus vaccine

Yesterday, FDA approved the updated Novavax that is made to target the XBB.1.5 strain. It helps protect against hospitalization and death for the circulating variants. In June the FDA required that that new boosters target the XBB strain for the 2023-2024 winter season. The Moderna and Pfizer boosters do that too.

The protein based Novavax offers an alternative to the mRNA boosters and meets the FDA's standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality. The vaccine is similar to traditional vaccines, works by teaching the immune system to make antibodies to the spike protein. Spike proteins cover the outside of the virus. They are the things you see sticking out in drawings. Spike protein nanoparticles are manufactured and put in the vaccine, along with an adjuvant, or a compound that primes the immune system, attracting immune cells to the vaccine site and causing a stronger response to the nanoparticles. In this case, compound, saponin, was extracted from the soapbark tree (Quillaja saponaria).

The Novavax is recommended for people 12 and over, with one dose if already immunized but two doses 3 weeks apart if they’ve never had any COVID immunizations. Like the mRNA vaccines, only the updated booster is now available., The immunizations are now monovalent meaning they target the XBB.1.5 strain only and not the original virus or the Delta or Omicron strains. No longer necessary because they are not what we get exposed to.

Novavax’s original approval was delayed for several reasons including changes in the manufacturing process, finally approved in July of 2022. It works differently than an mRNA although they both target the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. It is safe but no recommended in someone with a history of myocarditis due to concerns about myocarditis in young adults. The date shows the same number of cases in those vaccinated and unvaccinated. Also all cases of myocarditis were in young men only and resolved on their own quickly

Thanks for reading another science lesson. Good to know we have alternative vaccines that are effective and safe. This info may help some people decide to get this more traditional vaccine, so spread the word if you know someone it might help.

The variants are here. People I know are getting exposed and some are infected. In fact, I was glad I wore my mask at my jam last night, after hearing a friend tested positive today.

Stay safe out there! Mask up, don’t be shy, wash your hands, get boosted, and know how to get meds if you get sick.

Please share. Links listed below.

A gentle reminder that I am now writing more regularly because I’ve committed to doing so by turning on Paid Subscriptions. Read about it here in this post: A Special Message. Most of my writing will remain free. Pay only if you wish to and are able to. The cost is $5/month, $50/year, $100 Founding Member, bonus is ability to post and other content. Think of it as tipping a busker. Thanks.

https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/covid19vaccine/106618

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-updated-novavax-covid-19-vaccine-formulated-better-protect-against-currently

https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/covid19vaccine/105050

https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/covid19vaccine/99711

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/health/novavax-covid-19-vaccine.html

https://www.nebraskamed.com/COVID/moths-and-tree-bark-how-the-novavax-vaccine-works

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-emergency-use-novavax-covid-19-vaccine-adjuvanted

https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/spikevax