The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends an additional vaccine for use in the prevention of COVID-19 for adolescents and teens.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration has amended the emergency use authorization for the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine to extend eligibility to adolescents and teens age 12 and older, and the CDC has recommended the use of Novavax as a primary series option for youth ages 12-17. The vaccine was authorized last month for adults age 18 years and older. It is authorized for primary series vaccination only, and should not be used in combination with other COVID-19 vaccines.
Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine uses a more familiar vaccine technology using protein subunits. Vaccines using protein subunits have been used for more than 30 years in the United States, beginning with the first licensed hepatitis B vaccine. Other protein subunit vaccines used in the United States today include those to protect against influenza, shingles, and whooping cough (acellular pertussis).
Novavax is a two-dose series (5 mcg/0.5 mL) given intramuscularly 3-8 weeks apart that can be used for the primary vaccine series only. It is packaged in 10-dose vials (100-dose cartons) and does not require dilution. It can be stored in the refrigerator (2 degrees to 8 degrees Celsius/36 degrees to 46 degrees Fahrenheit). It should not be stored in a freezer.
- Orders for Novavax can be placed through the ImpactSIIS Vaccine Ordering Management System (VOMS). VOMS is open for providers to place orders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- The minimum order quantity is 100 doses.
- Orders can be placed using the COVID-19 – Janssen and Novavax order set, as both products are distributed through McKesson.
- Providers must enter the total quantity requested for each vaccine in the “Doses Requested” field in multiples of 100.
- The ability to administer 10 doses within 6 hours once a vial is opened should be a planning consideration for orders. Sites should consider currently configured vial size (10-dose vials) when scheduling vaccinations to optimize use of the supply.
- Novavax can be stored in the refrigerator (2 degrees to 8 degrees Celsius or 36 degrees to 46 degrees Fahrenheit). It should not be stored in any type of freezer.
- After the first puncture, the vaccine can be stored at room temperature for up to 6 hours at 2º C to 25º C (36º F to 77º F). Providers should record the date and time of first puncture on the vial.
- The Novavax vial and carton do not have a printed expiration date. To find the expiration date, access NovavaxCovidVaccine.com, navigate to the United States Healthcare Professional section of the website, and enter the lot number printed on the carton or vial into the “Expiry Date Checker” tool.
- No diluent is required, and the vaccine is preservative free.
- To maximize doses administered per vial and minimize wastage, physicians and other healthcare professionals are encouraged to schedule appointments for Novavax if possible.
- Novavax Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers
- Novavax Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers
- Novavax Expiry Checker
- COVID-19 Vaccines for Infants to Adults: Facts for Ohio Providers
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) COVID-19 Provider website is a hub for a variety of resources for vaccine providers. Vaccine providers with questions may call the ODH Provider Call Center at 1.844.9ODHVAX (1.844.963.4829) between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays or email COVIDVACCINE@odh.ohio.gov