OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have endorsed suggestions for an additional COVID-19 vaccine.
This week, the CDC endorsed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ suggestions of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for major vaccination in adults who’re 18 and older.
Novavax is a two-dose, protein-based COVID-19 vaccine, including an alternative choice to the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines and the Johnson & Johnson viral-vector vaccine.
“Protein subunit vaccines contain harmless pieces (proteins) of the COVID-19 virus alongside another ingredient, called an adjuvant, that helps the immune system respond to the virus in the future, if exposed,” mentioned Dr. Gitanjali Pai, OSDH Chief Medical Officer.
Protein-based vaccines have been used in the United States for greater than 30 years, starting with the hepatitis B vaccine.
Other vaccines used in the U.S. made with the identical science embrace those who defend in opposition to influenza and whooping cough.
In Oklahoma, the Novavax vaccine will be available for people in early August.
“We know the COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect against severe disease, hospitalization or death from COVID-19,” mentioned Keith Reed, Commissioner of Health. “We encourage individuals who are interested in this new vaccine reach out to their healthcare provider with any questions.”
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