Novavax COVID-19 vaccine: What is it, and could it help Australia's rollout?
Australia's COVID-19 vaccine rollout program was dealt a blow on Thursday night when the nation's technical committee – known as ATAGI – issued advice urging caution of the AstraZeneca vaccine for people under the age of 50.
Scheduled and approved to be made locally, the AstraZeneca vaccine was to be the "workhorse" solution to inoculating Australia's population against the disease.
With an additional 20 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine secured, many are now wondering about the third hat in the ring: Novavax. Here's everything we do – and don't – know:
READ MORE: What's gone wrong with Australia's vaccination rollout?
An additional 20 million doses of Pfizer have been secured. Getty
Is Australia even interested in the Novavax vaccine?
We are.
If the vaccine is proven to be safe and effective – and if it passes TGA approval – it is expected that 51 million doses will be made available in Australia during 2021.
Is Novavax ready to go and safe to use?
It's not ready yet. Currently, the Novavax vaccine is in Phase 3 clinical trials in the United Kingdom.
The vaccine is being tested in adults 18-84 years of age in different populations, people living with HIV, and those with other chronic conditions.
Interim data indicates it possesses 95.6 per cent efficacy against the original COVID-19 strain, 86 per cent against the UK variant, and 49 per cent against the South African variant.
READ MORE: How do I get my coronavirus vaccine? What to do if you're part of 1B
A member of the medical staff draws serum from an AstraZeneca vaccine container. AP
Where is Novavax made? What has to happen for it to be ready here?
Once it passes clinical trials the Novavax vaccine will be manufactured at several locations in Europe.
For it to be used here in Australia, it must pass the Therapeutic Goods Administration's (TGA) rigorous assessment and approval processes. That could mean months.
Do we have any idea of timeline for when Novavax will be approved?
We don't even have a guarantee it will be approved locally. Filings made in the US indicate it is targeting emergency approval in the US in May 2021.
READ MORE: AstraZeneca declares vaccine safe amid blood clot probe
Effectiveness of Novavax vaccine. Today
Will I be able to choose what vaccine I receive here in Australia?
No.
What vaccine you receive depends on which priority group you fall into, your age, your occupation and a number of other factors (such as chronic illness).
When will I be vaccinated?
Nobody is sure of a concrete timeline anymore for widespread vaccination of the public.
At this stage, the rollout is progressing as normal.
READ MORE: When you will receive the COVID-19 vaccine
The AstraZeneca vaccine was billed as the 'workhorse' solution to vaccinating Australia. AP
What will it cost for me to get the vaccine?
Nothing.
The COVID-19 vaccine will be free to everyone who chooses to receive it.
You will not be billed for it.
Do you have to be an Australian citizen to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
No.
The vaccination will be available for all people on Australian soil – regardless of their visa or citizenship arrangements.
Will I be forced to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
No.
The COVID-19 vaccine is completely voluntary.
If you choose not to have a COVID-19 vaccine, your eligibility for government payments won't be affected.
READ MORE: Australia's COVID-19 vaccine rollout explained
You can get up-to-date information from the Federal Government's Coronavirus Australia app, available on the App Store, Google Play and the Government's WhatsApp channel.
Beyond Blue's Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service is a 24/7 service free of charge to all Australians. Visit the site here or call 1800512348
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