Category: Covid-19 Vaccine

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New Zealanders are learning to live with COVID but does that mean having to pay for protection ourselves? – The Conversation

December 14, 2023

Im writing this with a dull ache in my left arm, sore from my third COVID booster. My second was in April when I also got a flu vaccination, which was funded by my employer. The arrival of the fifth wave of COVID in Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as the new variant, prompted me to get my booster sorted.

I should also admit I saw news over the weekend that universal access to COVID vaccinations may come to an end next year. Always keen to get something for nothing, I booked my booster.

It seems I was ahead of the curve.

New Zealanders, especially those at high risk of becoming severely ill, are now being encouraged to get their booster before Christmas. Anyone over 30 years old who hasnt had a vaccination or an infection in the last six months can get this booster. And it may be the last free COVID vaccination they receive.

I jest about getting something for nothing. As a health economist, Im aware there is no such thing as a free lunch there is an opportunity cost to everything.

Funding COVID vaccinations, tests and treatments means we are not able to fund other types of health care. During the peak of the pandemic it made economic sense to have publicly funded vaccinations and tests.

As we learn to live with the virus treating it as an endemic disease like the flu there is a need to re-evaluate the public provision of tests, vaccines and treatment.

Manat Hauora Ministry of Health had previously funded COVID vaccines. In July that was transferred to Pharmac and Pharmacs budget was adjusted to accommodate the extra cost.

Read more: Myocarditis: COVID-19 is a much bigger risk to the heart than vaccination

Pharmac also funds antivirals and most recently widened access to these. Te Whatu Ora funds RAT and PCR tests.

This week new health minister Shane Reti said the funding of vaccines and antivirals beyond June 2024 is under consideration. This comes after news that lower-than-expected booster uptake has resulted in a large number of expired doses. It has also recently been announced that RATs may no longer be free after the February 2024.

All this points to New Zealanders learning to live with the virus, by paying out-of-pocket for preventative measures assuming you can afford it.

Moving away from a universal programme to a targeted approach for those at risk is very different to the targeted rollout of the initial vaccine programme. Prioritisation was required due to the scarcity of the vaccine and the logistics of managing the rollout of a mass vaccination programme. It seems scarcity is now due to financial constraints not delivery constraints.

My colleague, vaccinologist Helen Petousis-Harris, has argued such targeted approaches, where only those at risk are offered free vaccinations, places a substantial obstacle in the way of getting vaccinated. Add cost to the misinformation/disinformation around vaccines and uptake will be further impacted.

How are other countries managing COVID nearly four years on? Vaccination is still universally free in Australia, Singapore and Canada.

Since September 2023, vaccination in the United States is covered by private insurance plans and Medicare/Medicaid, but also available locally for free for the uninsured.

The United Kingdom and the Netherlands have a targeted seasonal vaccination programme thus treat COVID much like the flu.

In terms of accessibility to COVID tests there is also variability. The Netherlands has not had subsidised testing since October 2021, although those on low income, at high risk and who provide care can get free tests until the end of this year.

Singapore stopped providing subsidised tests in February 2023. The US and Canada still have free tests available, and Australia has made tests free for concession card holders, and states may have additional allowances.

In the UK you can get a free COVID test only if you have a health condition or are a health-care worker.

Universally free influenza vaccination programmes are rare. Most countries including Aotearoa New Zealand target those at greatest risk of hospitalisation and death.

This is because protecting these vulnerable populations is considered to be the most cost-effective from a health sector perspective. Employers, including my own, fund flu vaccines for employees as the virus is a costly productivity killer.

A challenge Pharmac and its advisors will face when deciding the scope of a future COVID vaccination programme is that there remains considerable uncertainty surrounding the long-term consequences of COVID infection.

Read more: Vaccines for COVID are much more effective than for flu and reminding people could drive down hesitancy

Long COVID appears to be indiscriminate. The 5-10% of individuals who are infected are often healthy and dont fit the usual vulnerable population classification. While vaccination can lower the risk of long COVID, repeat infections appear to increase the chances of developing it. Antivirals which Pharmac also needs to make funding decisions on seem to lower the risk.

Future vaccination strategies should take account of the chronic health conditions and symptoms that encompass long COVID, as the health burden is considerable.

To fund or not to fund COVID vaccinations, tests and treatments these are difficult questions as we learn to live with COVID.

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New Zealanders are learning to live with COVID but does that mean having to pay for protection ourselves? - The Conversation

Health dept. offering COVID vaccine to 6 months and older Daily Chief-Union – Dailychiefunion

December 14, 2023

Wyandot County Public Health now is offering the 2023-24 formulation of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to individuals ages 6 months and older. The COVID-19 vaccines have been updated to improve protection provided against current variants of COVID-19.

Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax all have been updated to a 2023-2024 formulation of the COVID-19 vaccines based on the Omicron XBB.1.5 variant of COVID-19. These updated vaccines are recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older, regardless of previous vaccination against COVID-19. Wyandot County Public Health is exclusively offering the Moderna vaccine. Those seeking either the Pfizer or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine should consult with a primary care provider or other vaccine providers to receive their vaccine.

Eligibility for the 2023-2024 vaccine:

All individuals ages 6 months and older are eligible to receive at least one dose of the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine regardless of previous vaccinations. Generally, one dose of the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for people who were previously considered fully vaccinated at least eight weeks after the most recent COVID-19 vaccine.

Some additional doses of the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine are approved for those who are immunocompromised or who have not yet completed the initial vaccination series. The interval between vaccinations may vary from the eight-week period in these cases. Wyandot County Public Health will help assess each individual case to ensure patients receive proper administration recommendations.

Clinic times at WCPH:

For individuals aged 18 and older, Wyandot County Public Health is offering Walk-in Wednesday COVID-19 vaccine clinics from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays.

COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available to everyone 6 months and older on Mondays and Fridays. Note Wyandot County Public Health is closed Mondays Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 due to the holidays. The public may schedule appointments now by calling the nursing division at 419-294-3852.

Vaccine cost and insurance:

Due to the end of the public health emergency, COVID-19 vaccine costs no longer are covered by emergency funding. For most people, health insurance should cover the cost of vaccination. Individuals who are underinsured or uninsured may also qualify to receive reduced cost vaccinations.

Individuals should bring their insurance card(s) to Walk-in Wednesdays to ensure the vaccines are covered. Wyandot County Public Health staff will check insurance coverage over the phone when scheduling appointments and for those interested in verifying coverage before attending walk-in clinics.

COVID-19 at-home test kits:

Wyandot County Public Health is currently offering free COVID-19 test kits available for pick up during regular business hours. To maintain the health of staff members and other clients, individuals who are taking tests due to symptoms or exposure to COVID are asked to refrain from entering the building. In these cases, please call the health department at 419-294-3852from the parking lot and test kits will be brought out to the vehicle.

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Health dept. offering COVID vaccine to 6 months and older Daily Chief-Union - Dailychiefunion

Next-Gen COVID-19 Immunization Techniques Unveiled by Researchers – Mirage News

December 14, 2023

BOSTON The global COVID-19 vaccination campaign saved an estimated 20 million lives. However, while current COVID-19 vaccines provide protection against developing severe disease, they do little to prevent infection and transmission.

Findings published in the journal Nature by physician-scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and colleagues suggest that it may be possible to improve protection against COVID-19 by delivering the vaccine directly to the respiratory tract the primary site of entry in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

"The failure of the current generation of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines delivered by the intramuscular (IM) route to block infection likely relates to their inability to induce robust mucosal immune responses at the portal of entry," said corresponding author Dan H. Barouch, MD, PhD, director of the Center for Vaccine and Virology Research at BIDMC. "In this study, we demonstrated that novel immunization strategies can markedly increase mucosal immunity in nonhuman primates and improve protective efficacy against a mucosal virus challenge."

Barouch and colleagues primed 40 adult rhesus macaques with the Ad26 COVID-19 vaccine (Janssen/Johnson & Johnson) administered intramuscularly (IM)--like the shot in the arm adults typically receive. Approximately a year later, the animals received a booster. Three groups received either a dose of the Ad26 vaccine via the IM route, the intranasal (IN) route (delivered via nasal spray) or intratracheal (IT) route (delivered by nebulizer or inhaler). A fourth group received a dose of the bivalent mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech) by the IN route. A sham group received no boosters.

When the macaques were later challenged with a high dose of the virus, the investigators sampled the animals' blood, nasal and lung fluids to monitor their immune responses. They found that the Ad26 booster administered via the IT route provided near complete protection against a high-dose SARS-CoV-2 challenge and induced greater mucosal immunity than it did via the IN or IM route. In contrast, mRNA IN boosting proved ineffective, suggesting that improved formulations will likely be required for effective mucosal delivery of mRNA vaccines.

"Taken together, these data demonstrate that novel immunization strategies can markedly increase mucosal immunity in nonhuman primates and improve protective efficacy against a mucosal virus challenge," said Barouch. "These data suggest the feasibility of developing vaccines that block respiratory viral infections."

Co-authors included co-first authors Katherine McMahan, Malika Aid, Michaela Sciacca, Jinyan Liu, Nicole P. Hachmann, Jessica Miller, Catherine Jacob-Dolan, Olivia Powers and David Hope, as well as Cindy Wu, Juliana Pereira, Tetyana Murdza, Camille R. Mazurek and Amelia Hoyt of BIDMC; co-first author Frank Wegmann, as well as Jeroen Tolboom, Jan Serroyen, Laura Solforosi, Lea M.M. Costes, and co-senior author Roland C. Zahn of Janssen Vaccines and Prevention B.V.; Adrianus C.M. Boon of Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis; Meredith Davis-Gardner and Mehul S. Suthar of Emory School of Medicine; Amanda J. Martinot of Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine; and Mona Boursiquot, Anthony Cook, Laurent Pessaint, Mark G. Lewis, Hanne Andersen of Bioqual.

This work was supported by Janssen, Gates Foundation (INV-027406, INV619 041469), National Institutes of Health (CA260476), the Massachusetts Consortium for Pathogen Readiness, and the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard.

Barouch, Wegman, and Zahn are co-inventors on provisional SARS-CoV-2 vaccine patents 635 (63/121,482; 63/133,969; 63/135,182). Wegman, Tolboom, Serroyen, Solforosi, Costes and Zahn are employees and may hold equity in Janssen. The rest of the authors report no other conflict of interest.

About Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is a leading academic medical center, where extraordinary care is supported by high-quality education and research. BIDMC is a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School, and consistently ranks as a national leader among independent hospitals in National Institutes of Health funding. BIDMC is the official hospital of the Boston Red Sox.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is a part of Beth Israel Lahey Health, a health care system that brings together academic medical centers and teaching hospitals, community and specialty hospitals, more than 4,800 physicians and 38,000 employees in a shared mission to expand access to great care and advance the science and practice of medicine through groundbreaking research and education.

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Next-Gen COVID-19 Immunization Techniques Unveiled by Researchers - Mirage News

Moderna Shares, Other Covid Vaccine Makers Hit by Warning From Pfizer – Morningstar

December 14, 2023

By Will Feuer

Shares of Moderna and other makers of Covid-19 vaccines were dragged lower after rival Pfizer warned that it expects revenue from its Covid-19 products to fall next year.

Moderna shares were down nearly 5% at $74.51 in premarket trading, following Pfizer shares, which were more than 6% lower. Shares of Moderna have already fallen nearly 57% this year.

American depositary receipts tied to shares of Germany-based BioNTech, which has partnered with Pfizer on its Covid-19 vaccine, fell about 4% to $95.00 in the premarket session. The stock is down about 34% this year.

Shares of Novavax also fell about 1% to $5.25 in premarket trading, adding to a decline of about 48% this year.

Earlier Wednesday, Pfizer issued revenue and earnings outlook for next year that fell below Wall Street analysts' expectations. The miss was largely driven by declining sales of the company's Covid-19 vaccine and its Paxlovid treatment.

Write to Will Feuer at Will.Feuer@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

December 13, 2023 08:16 ET (13:16 GMT)

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Moderna Shares, Other Covid Vaccine Makers Hit by Warning From Pfizer - Morningstar

PlantPharm BioMed awarded federal grant to develop edible COVID-19 vaccine for animals – BizTimes Milwaukee

December 14, 2023

Home Ideas Innovation PlantPharm BioMed awarded federal grant to develop edible COVID-19 vaccine for animals

Delavan-based PlantPharm BioMed, a biotechnology company manufacturing edible vaccines that can be used to treat several types of viruses in both humans and animals, has been awarded a $900,000 federal grant to develop an edible COVID-19 vaccine for animals. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Ashley covers startups, technology and manufacturing for BizTimes. She was previously the managing editor of the News Graphic and Washington County Daily News. In past reporting roles, covering education at The Waukesha Freeman, she received several WNA awards. She is a UWM graduate. In her free time, Ashley enjoys watching independent films, tackling a new recipe in the kitchen and reading a good book.

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PlantPharm BioMed awarded federal grant to develop edible COVID-19 vaccine for animals - BizTimes Milwaukee

Inhaled COVID-19 Vaccine Breakthrough: Implications for the Future – Medriva

December 14, 2023

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, the search for more efficient and effective vaccines has intensified. A recent breakthrough comes from scientists who have developed an innovative inhaled vaccine that exhibits promising results. This new vaccine has shown remarkable performance with a single inhaled dose, inducing robust mucosal immunity and protection in various species, including non-human primates. Moreover, the vaccine has demonstrated the ability to prevent transmission across all variants assessed, marking a significant step in the fight against COVID-19.

Researchers at McMaster University in Canada have pioneered this next-generation inhalable dry powder COVID vaccine. The unique feature of this vaccine is its ability to induce respiratory mucosal immunity following local lung delivery. Unlike the current COVID-19 vaccines administered through injection into muscle, this vaccine is inhaled as a dry powder. This innovative method bypasses the need for cold chains and the use of needles, making it more accessible and easy to administer. The new vaccine could potentially address the challenges faced by current COVID-19 vaccines, particularly in high-risk populations where existing vaccines have proven less effective.

The inhaled single-dose dry powder aerosol SARS-CoV-2 vaccine encapsulates assembled nanoparticles. These nanoparticles comprise cholera toxin B subunits displaying the SARS-CoV-2 RBD antigen within microcapsules of optimal aerodynamic size. This design supports efficient alveoli delivery, sustained antigen release, and uptake by antigen-presenting cells. The vaccine also triggers robust production of IgG and IgA, as well as a local T cell response. This powerful immune response confers effective protection against SARS-CoV-2 in mice, hamsters, and nonhuman primates. Furthermore, the vaccines mosaic iteration co-displays ancestral and Omicron antigens, extending the breadth of antibody response against co-circulating strains and transmission of the Omicron variant.

Notably, the inhaled vaccine presents several practical advantages over conventional injectable vaccines. Researchers from the Institute of Process Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a novel dry-powder inhaled vaccine platform using nano-micro composite multilevel structures. This platform combines biodegradable microspheres with protein nanoparticles to induce a broad-spectrum immune response. In addition to its impressive immune response, the vaccine significantly reduces storage and transportation costs, making it a viable option for areas with limited refrigeration facilities. The vaccine induces long-lasting humoral, cellular, and mucosal immunity with just a single inhalation, and has been shown to effectively block respiratory viral infection and transmission in animal models.

The development of an effective inhaled vaccine represents a revolutionary advance in the field of immunization. This breakthrough could potentially transform the landscape of pandemic management, offering a more efficient, cost-effective, and accessible solution to global vaccination efforts. However, while these results are promising, further testing and clinical trials are necessary to confirm the vaccines safety and efficacy in humans. As the fight against COVID-19 continues, this innovative vaccine brings a ray of hope for a more resilient future.

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Inhaled COVID-19 Vaccine Breakthrough: Implications for the Future - Medriva

Study: ‘Vaccine Apartheid’ Caused by Gap in Access between Richer and Poorer Countries – Newswise

December 14, 2023

Newswise ALBANY. N.Y. (Dec. 12, 2023) While the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us, research continues on the role of vaccines their effectiveness as well as factors that contribute to a resistance to being vaccinated, and the worldwide availability of the vaccine.

A new study co-authored by Ashely Fox and published this month in Health Affairs looks at vaccine apartheid the gap in access to COVID-19 vaccines between high- and low-income countries. Fox, an associate professor in the Department of Public Administration & Policy at UAlbanys Rockefeller College, was lead author of the study, Substantial Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Unmet Immunization Demand in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, co-written by Yongjin Choi and Leesa Lin, both of the Vaccine Confidence Project at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

The new study is among the first to quantify unmet demand for the vaccine people who would be willing to be vaccinated if they had access. By shedding light on the extent to which low uptake is due to constrained supply versus low demand, this study contributes to informed decision making and the development of targeted strategies to improve vaccine access and acceptance in low- and middle-income countries, the article says.

The study is based on surveys conducted between May 2022 and January 2023, at least a year after widespread vaccine roll-out, that collected data from 15,696 respondents in 17 Western Pacific and African countries. Results indicate that only about 50 percent of individuals in the Africa region had received primary vaccination and only 20 percent had received a booster shot. Only 22 percent of the entire sample had received an mRNA vaccine. Strikingly, the study found that among unvaccinated respondents, 50 percent were willing to be vaccinated but the shots were unavailable to them.

The surveys were conducted in Cambodia, Fiji, Lao Peoples Democratic Republic Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu and Vietnam in the Western Pacific, and the African nations of Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Uganda with support from the Vaccine Confidence Project. Unmet vaccine demand was highest in African countries, the study found, and lowest among the Western Pacific region.

The highest level of unmet demand was in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, at 43percent, followed by Nigeria at 39percent and Cameroon at 36percent. Uganda and South Africa showed unmet demand of 11percent in the population. In the Western Pacific countries surveyed, unmet demand was lower than 7 percent.

This corelates with the fact that as of May 2023, African countries had the lowest COVID-19 vaccine uptake, at 60 doses per 100,000 people. In contrast, Australias rate was 250 doses per 100,000 similar South America and the European Union.

Vaccine hesitancy and availability are much more interconnected than people often realize, Fox said. Low-income countries, especially in Africa, continue to experience constrained access to vaccines, including the more efficacious mRNA vaccines. People also have concerns about available vaccines. We need more research to understand both the supply and demand side factors that affect peoples willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19, and their continued willingness to vaccinate again.

The article concludes that countries need targeted efforts to increase vaccination rates.

Policy efforts should address barriers to vaccine access, ensure accessibility and distribution of mRNA vaccines, and aim to overcome vaccine hesitancy all critical factors in reducing unmet immunization demand and achieving higher vaccination rates across regions.

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Study: 'Vaccine Apartheid' Caused by Gap in Access between Richer and Poorer Countries - Newswise

Canadians Can Help Protect Loved Ones as We Head into the Holiday Season – Yahoo Finance

December 14, 2023

Novavax launches Choose to Protect campaign to educate public about importance of updated COVID-19 vaccination

Recent survey finds that 70% of Canadians believe in the value of COVID-19 vaccination; 74% want to select the COVID-19 vaccine they receive

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Dec. 13, 2023 /CNW/ -- Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX), a global company advancing protein-based vaccines with its Matrix-M adjuvant, today announced the launch of Choose to Protect, a campaign to educate the public about the importance of COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 vaccines. Since 2020, COVID-19 has become one of the leading causes of death in Canada.i,iiThe campaign will feature resources in both English and French.

As part of the campaign, Novavax partnered with market research firm Leger to conduct a survey of 1,548 Canadians aged 18and olderto understand their views on COVID-19 vaccination, what motivates them to get vaccinated and what knowledge gaps exist.

"At Novavax, we are committed to supporting Canadians as they navigate how best to protect themselves and their families against the potential impact of COVID-19, especially leading into the holiday season," said Andrew Boston, Canada Country Director, Novavax. "COVID-19 vaccine fatigue remains a major obstacle in maintaining immunity and keeping vaccination rates high. We encourage people to recognize the importance of making a plan to help protect their loved ones and to speak with their healthcare provider about available vaccine options."

"COVID-19 continues to take a significant toll on the wellbeing of Canadians," says Dr. Angel Chu*, an infectious diseases physician and clinical assistant professor at the University of Calgary's department of medicine. "Vaccination is a critical tool in our fight against the impact of this infection. The more Canadians understand about COVID-19, strategies to protect themselves and the options available, the more informed choices they can make for themselves, and their loved ones."

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Key findings from the survey include:

70% of Canadians surveyed believe receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is one of the best strategies to help protect loved ones and others around them from COVID-19.

Four out of five Canadians suggest that their ability to spend time with family (84%), the health of their community (81%) and/or being able to engage in social activities (77%) is important when deciding to get vaccinated.

Half of Canadians (53%) say that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed their mindset about vaccines from something that is a nice-to-have to something that is a must-do.

74% of Canadians surveyed say they want to be able to select the COVID-19 vaccine that they receive.

57% of Canadians report that they do their own research online about vaccine options.

When assessing vaccine options, one third of Canadians (33%) believe the protection offered by a vaccine is the most important factor when selecting a vaccine; three in five rank it in their top three (62%).

32% of Canadians identify the recommendation of a healthcare professional in the top three things that are most important when selecting a vaccine.

To learn more about the Choose to Protect campaign, COVID vaccination, and the options available, visit ca.choosetoprotect.com. Vaccine recipients have reported side effects, including mild or moderate side effects. Vaccine effectiveness varies and is not the same in every individual. Canadians are encouraged to talk to their healthcare provider to answer any questions or health-related concerns.

About the Choose to Protect SurveyThe Choose to Protect survey was conducted online in Canada by Leger on behalf of Novavax in Canada. The survey was conducted between October 13 and October 15, 2023 among 1,548 Canadians aged 18+, using Leger's online panel. No margin of error can be associated with a non-probability sample (i.e., a web panel in this case). For comparative purposes, though, a probability sample of 1548 respondents would have a margin of error of 2.5%, 19 times out of 20.

About NovavaxNovavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) promotes improved health by discovering, developing and commercializing innovative vaccines to help protect against serious infectious diseases. Novavax, a global company based in Gaithersburg, Md., U.S., offers a differentiated vaccine platform that combines a recombinant protein approach, innovative nanoparticle technology and Novavax's patented Matrix-M adjuvant to enhance the immune response. Focused on the world's most urgent health challenges, Novavax is currently evaluating vaccines for COVID-19, influenza and COVID-19 and influenza combined. Please visit novavax.com and LinkedIn for more information.

Contacts

Investors

Erika Schultz 240-268-2022 ir@novavax.com

Media

Ali Chartan 240-720-7804 media@novavax.com

References

iGovernment of Canada. COVID-19: Longer-term symptoms among Canadian adults Second report. Accessed October 26, 2023. https://health-infobase.canada.ca/covid-19/post-covid-condition/spring-2023-report.html?wbdisable=true ii Statistics Canada. Deaths, 2021. Accessed October 26, 2023 https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/230828/dq230828b-eng.htm

*Dr. Angel Chu is a paid partner for Novavax.

SOURCE NOVAVAX, INC

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Canadians Can Help Protect Loved Ones as We Head into the Holiday Season - Yahoo Finance

7.7% of Children Received Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Precision Vaccinations News – Precision Vaccinations

December 14, 2023

(Precision Vaccinations News)

The U.S. CDC's COVIDVaxView COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard was updated today, reflecting current trends in children's, adults, and pregnant women's vaccination rates.

As of December 13, 2023, the CDC confirmed:

As of December 2, 2023, 7.7% (95% Confidence Interval: 6.5%-8.9%) of children (six months to 17 years) were reported to be up to date with the 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine. An additional 18.6% (15.9%-21.3%) of children had a parent who said they planned to get their child vaccinated.

And17.2%(95% Confidence Interval: 16.3%-18.1%) of adults reported receiving an updated 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine since September 14, 2023. An additional 14.6% (13.4%-15.9%) said they plan to get vaccinated.

Furthermore,9.6% of pregnant womenhad received the updated 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination coverage was highest among non-Hispanic Asian (16.5%) pregnant womenand lowest among non-Hispanic Black (3%) women.

Additional COVID-19 vaccination databy demographic characteristics at the national level and overall estimates by jurisdiction areavailable at this CDC link.

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7.7% of Children Received Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Precision Vaccinations News - Precision Vaccinations

COVID-19 vaccine assurances aren’t convincing the public – Washington Times

December 14, 2023

OPINION:

The smoke is finally clearing from the coronavirus battle.

The picture emerging is one of shortcomings in government-approved vaccines, which are raising serious questions about past and present assurances that the mandated drugs were and are safe and effective.

Experts disputing the efficacy of these novel medications must be heard and the reliability of these treatments validated before officials repeat the mistakes made at the height of the COVID-19 era whenever the next pandemic is declared.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton may uncover some of those answers through his lawsuit against the drugmaker Pfizer for purportedly violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

In a 54-page complaint filed last month, Mr. Paxton writes:

In summary, Pfizer intentionally misrepresented the efficacy of its COVID-19 vaccine and censored persons who threatened to disseminate the truth in order to facilitate fast adoption of the product and expand its commercial opportunity.

After the pharmaceutical companys widespread inoculation of virus-fearing Americans in 2021, more died than in the previous year. In some locales, the lawsuit states, COVID-19 claimed more lives among the vaccinated than the unvaccinated despite the companys promotion of its new product as 95% effective.

In an abbreviated, two-month period of clinical trials, the Pfizer vaccine demonstrated robust reduction of infection risk. Yet in 2021, virus mutations emerged, including the Delta variant, resulting in a rapid drop in vaccine effectiveness.

In Israel, according to the Texas lawsuit, effectiveness plunged from 64% to 39% in a month, belying the 95% claim. The firms two-year, $75 billion windfall, the complaint asserts, is attributable to its unlawful deceptive trade practices.

Separate questions have arisen about potential danger to human health from the cutting-edge mRNA technology used to create the vaccines manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna and other pharmaceutical companies.

Robert Malone, an early mRNA technology pioneer, said in recent testimony before the British Parliament that authorities made wildly exaggerated claims that COVID-19 was killing at a frighteningly high 3.4% rate to justify the extraordinary rapid formulation and deployment of the vaccines.

Moreover, assurances that the medication would remain at the site of injection were also false, he said. Rather, the vaccines have been shown to circulate throughout the body, infiltrating various organs and remain biologically active for an undetermined period of time.

Other experts have alleged fragments of DNA used in vaccine manufacturing have been found in batches of the drugs. A preprint paper published in October by a University of Guelph researcher in Ontario, Canada, found the presence of billions to hundreds of billions of DNA molecules per dose in these vaccines, referring to the Pfizer and Moderna products. Untethered DNA has a small but not negligible potential for penetration of cells and causing a range of side effects that include cancer.

With the benefit of hindsight, inquiring minds are comparing the safe and effective vaccine assurances with the underwhelming results. What we need, in order to resolve all the controversy that swirls around these products, and whatever is the meaning of the latest data disclosure, Dr. Malone said in summation, is for governments to just be open and transparent.

Americans should demand a full examination of health effects both beneficial and harmful associated with these hastily created shots.

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COVID-19 vaccine assurances aren't convincing the public - Washington Times

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