Catch up on the latest COVID-19 vaccine news
Updates on boosters, Novavax and other vaccine news to know
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists have worked to develop and evolve many tools for protection — including vaccines, tests, treatments and more. This work continues as scientists learn more about how to manage COVID-19 and its variants.
Just in the last few months, a new vaccine was authorized and an updated booster was introduced. Need to catch up? We’re breaking down the latest COVID-19 vaccine news.
A new choice: Novavax
Since the Novavax vaccine was authorized in July there are now 4 COVID-19 vaccine brands available in the U.S.:
- Pfizer
- Moderna
- Johnson & Johnson
- Novavax
What to know: Novavax is a protein subunit vaccine, which means it contains pieces (proteins) of the COVID-19 virus called spike proteins. The spike proteins and an adjuvant (an ingredient that helps the vaccine work better) teach your immune system how to respond to the actual virus should you be exposed to it. The spike proteins do not cause you to get COVID-19.
Now the only COVID-19 vaccine of this type in the U.S., the technology is not new. It is used for other common vaccines like for shingles, human papillomavirus (HPV), and others.
And though Novavax is new to the U.S. it has been previously available in 40 other countries. Clinical trials show that the vaccine is 90% effective at preventing illness in adults.
Who it is for: The CDC recommends Novavax for primary vaccination in people 12 and older. The Novavax vaccine has 2 doses that should be received 21 days apart.
A Novavax booster is available for people 18 years and older who have completed the primary Novavax series vaccination but have not previously received a COVID-19 booster. An mRNA bivalent booster is recommended but the Novavax booster is also an option for adults who cannot access an mRNA booster, are not medically able to get an mRNA booster or would not like to receive an mRNA booster. It can be taken at least 6 months after a second dose. This booster is the same vaccine as the primary series and extends protection, but it not updated to target the Omicron variant.
How to get it: Vaccine locator has information on the types of vaccines available near you. You can reach the COVID-19 Information Hotline by dialing 1–800–525–0127, and then pressing #. You can also call your health care provider to see if they have it.
Check out this fact sheet for more information on Novavax.
Updated (bivalent) booster
Updated COVID-19 boosters, also known as the bivalent boosters, were recently authorized for use. These updated boosters were developed to specifically target the Omicron variant.
What to know: The updated boosters restore protection strength and target recent variants you’re more likely to catch. The updated boosters are reformulated to target the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of the Omicron variant.
This is important since the BA.5 strain is the most common variant right now, making up most cases.
Both Pfizer and Moderna have bivalent boosters. They both use mRNA technology. You can expect mild side effects that are like the initial vaccine doses and boosters. Common potential side effects include:
- mild pain at injection site
- fatigue
- headache
Who it is for: Everyone who is eligible should consider getting the updated booster for better protection against Omicron, which is the current dominant variant.
Pfizer’s bivalent booster is authorized for people 5 and older, and Moderna’s is authorized for people 6 and up. It should be taken at least 2 months after a completed primary vaccination series or an earlier booster.
The updated boosters may be available to younger kids later in the fall.
How to get it: You can use the vaccine locator tool or the COVID-19 Information Hotline to find a provider near you. Supplies may be limited, so keep trying if you’re unable to get an appointment right away.
With supply shortages, you should get whichever updated booster is available to you. The Pfizer and Moderna boosters can be mixed and matched after completing a primary series. That means you can get the updated Pfizer booster if you previously got the Moderna booster, or the Moderna if you previously had the Pfizer. For more info on the updated booster check out our latest webinar.
More information
This blog is accurate as of the date of posting. Information changes rapidly, so check the state’s COVID-19 website for the most up-to-date info at coronavirus.wa.gov. You can also sign up to be notified whenever we post new articles.
The COVID-19 vaccine is available to everyone 6 months and older. For more information about the vaccine, visit CovidVaccineWA.org and use the vaccine locator tool to find an appointment. The COVID-19 vaccine is provided at no cost to you.
WA Notify can alert you if you’ve been near another user who tested positive for COVID-19. Add WA Notify to your phone today: WANotify.org
Answers to your questions or concerns about COVID-19 in Washington State may be found at our website. You can also contact the Department of Health call center at 1–800–525–0127 and press # from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday — Sunday and observed state holidays. Language assistance is available.
