One of the newest COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Canada is now available by request from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
The health unit confirmed today it has received doses of Novavax and they will be given out by request.
The Novavax Nuvavovid COVID-19 vaccine was the first COVID vaccine of its type approved by Health Canada. It is a recombinant protein subunit vaccine, which means it is made by adding the genetic code of the virus to another cell to create spike proteins. Those proteins are purified and used as the active ingredient of the vaccine. They cannot infect anyone with COVID-19, but they do trigger an immune response.
The vaccine used to prevent hepatitis B is a protein subunit vaccine.
Novavax has been approved for use in adults aged 18 years old or older in Canada. The vaccine is given in two doses at least 21 days apart, but the National Advisory Committee on Immunization for Canada recommends spreading the two doses over eight weeks.
To request a dose of Novavax from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, send an email via the Health Connection online form. Health Unit staff will follow up with a phone call to book an appointment.
You can read the National Advisory Committee on Immunization report and recommendations for Novavax online here.
