Australia’s Third Vaccine ‘novavax’ – Efficacy And Expected Rollout

Australia is turning to other vaccine options now that the AstraZeneca vaccine is no longer the preferred vaccine for adults under 50. A total of 40 million Pfizer vaccine doses have been ordered, but Australia also has a deal for a third vaccine – the Novavax vaccine.

The Novavax vaccine is a two-dose vaccine and can be stored for months at fridge temperature. It is a protein subunit vaccine, which just uses a part of the virus (in this case the spike protein) to activate the immune system. To create a strong immune response, it also includes an ‘adjuvant’ which helps activate the immune system. Interim data from Phase 3 testing shows Novavax is 96% effective at preventing COVID-19 disease for the original strain, and 86% effective in preventing the UK variant disease. It has also had excellent safety results.

The federal government has ordered 51 million doses of the Novavax vaccine, although it is yet to be approved by the TGA. They are expected to make a decision in the third quarter of the year.

The CPAP Clinic is a leading Australian provider of Respiratory, Sleep Disorders, Cardiology and PPE services and products. Based in Sydney, it has a network of 40 clinics nationwide.