Novavax primary vs booster
September 25, 2022 12:11 PM Subscribe
Novavax is authorized in the US as a primary series but not as a booster. It is, however, authorized in the EU and Australia as a booster, following any other brand primary series. What I need to know, and can't find, is whether the booster shot differs in volume or in any other way from the primary, i.e., will I be able to get a Novavax booster by presenting myself as a first-time vaccine recipient and getting the primary dosage?
Response by poster: Perfect. That first document answers the question.
I wish I had thought to put this in the original question, but does the lack of authorization as a booster mean that a doctor could not prescribe Novavax off-label as a booster?
posted by HotToddy at 12:38 PM on September 25, 2022
I wish I had thought to put this in the original question, but does the lack of authorization as a booster mean that a doctor could not prescribe Novavax off-label as a booster?
posted by HotToddy at 12:38 PM on September 25, 2022
Your success will vary by doctor and location. Some people are getting it successfully prescribed and administered and some are not. It’s worth trying! But there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason about who gets it as a booster.
posted by Bottlecap at 1:05 PM on September 25, 2022
posted by Bottlecap at 1:05 PM on September 25, 2022
I wouldn't take it as a booster. I would, however, start a new primary series and follow through with the follow up doses. Look at the substack from Your Local Epidemiologist, search Twitter, or ... there was another roundup I'm forgetting about and will post if I remember... that look at Novavax as a booster option. That said if you figure out how to start it as a new primary series, please let us know how you made that happen.
posted by slidell at 10:05 PM on September 25, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by slidell at 10:05 PM on September 25, 2022 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
This Australian government document has not been updated with information about use of novavax as a booster, but the primary is 0.5mL.
This document from the US government (FDA) also gives the dose as 0.5mL, when used as a primary vaccine.
I did not find any information on progress towards official recognition as a booster in the US. News reports state that as of August 16, authorization was being sought.
posted by the antecedent of that pronoun at 12:31 PM on September 25, 2022