CDC recommends Novavaxs COVID-19 vaccine for adults ages 18 and older | La Dept. – Louisiana Department of Health – Louisiana.gov

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)has endorsedNovavaxs two-doseCOVID-19 vaccine as another COVID-19 vaccine primaryseries option for adults ages 18 and older, following its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation and the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations emergency use authorization (EUA).

Now Louisianans have a fourth option when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine, one that uses a more traditional, familiar vaccine technology.Unlike the mRNA vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, the Novavax vaccine is a protein-based shot. Protein-based vaccines have been used for decades to combat diseases including Hepatitis B and influenza.

"We welcome this news from CDC.Now, residentshave even more options to keep themselves and their families safeagainst severe complications fromCOVID-19, which continues to surge in Louisiana," said State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter. "If you have been waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine built on a different technology than those previously available, now is the time to join the millionsofLouisiananswho have been vaccinated."

LDH has notified all healthcare providers that this guidance is effective immediately, and they can start ordering the vaccine now. The Novavax vaccine is expected to become available in the coming weeks.

Both CDC and LDH recommend that everyone ages 6 months and up get vaccinated against COVID-19 and that everyone ages 5 and up get a booster as soon as they are eligible.

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CDC recommends Novavaxs COVID-19 vaccine for adults ages 18 and older | La Dept. - Louisiana Department of Health - Louisiana.gov