COVID-19: NOVAVAX AVAILABLE TO ELIGIBLE AUSTRALIAN CITIZENS

COVID-19: NOVAVAX AVAILABLE TO ELIGIBLE AUSTRALIAN CITIZENS

Western Australians have access to a new vaccine to combat COVID-19, with the introduction of Novavax in state clinics from today, February 21, 2022.

A WA Health spokesperson said Novavax has provided the same protection and benefits as other vaccines in keeping our communities safe and has been shown to be highly effective in preventing symptoms of COVID-19 in adults.

Starting this week at the Kwinana, Mirrabooka and Perth Convention and Exhibition Center (PCEC) vaccination clinics, Novavax will be offered to customers without a reservation for the first week only on the following days and locations:

• Kwinana – Monday to Wednesday
• Mirrabooka – Wednesday and Thursday
• PCEC – Thursday to Sunday.

After this week, reservations will be necessary via the Roll up for WA website.

Furthermore, effective February 28, 2022, Novavax will also be available in the Goldfields area at all state-run clinics and select clinics in the Kimberley and Pilbara areas.

“Reservations will be available and people who wish to take advantage of this opportunity are welcome to visit the Rollup for WA website for details on locations and how to book,” a company spokesperson said.

“In addition, the Novavax vaccine is available at participating physicians and pharmacies across Australia.”

Novavax is a Therapeutic Goods Administration approved, protein-based vaccine and recommended by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization as the first course of vaccination in people 18 years of age and older.

It is given in two doses at least three weeks apart, however it is not currently recommended as a booster vaccine.

Novavax may be given as part of an initial mixed course to people who have received one or more doses of another COVID-19 vaccine, including as a third dose to people who have Severe immunity.

All other vaccines, including the Pfizer vaccine for children, are still available in state-run clinics, GPs and pharmacies, and people are encouraged to pursue these options.

The spokesperson said there are hundreds of vaccination sites across the state and people have been asked to visit the Roll Up for WA site for details.

“But whatever vaccination you get – now is the time to make sure you and your loved ones are protected from the virus,” the spokesperson said.

ATAGI recommends that Novavax COVID-19 vaccine can be used in the initial cycle of COVID-19 vaccination for people 18 years of age or older.

The recommended schedule of administration is 2 doses, at least 3 weeks apart.

A contraindication to vaccination is an allergic reaction to a previous dose of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine or any component of the vaccine (eg polysorbate 80). At present, no specific precautions for the use of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.

Novavax COVID-19 vaccine can be given to pregnant and breastfeeding women. ATAGI notes that unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for which there is substantial data on their safe use during pregnancy and breast-feeding, there is no immunogenicity or safety data for these combinations with the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.

However, there are no theoretical safety concerns regarding use during pregnancy, because Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, similar to other COVID-19 vaccines, is not a live vaccine.

In a related development, the Western Australia Health is reporting a total of 2,423 new cases as of 8 p.m. last night. Currently, there are 8,419 active cases in Western Australia.

Unfortunately, WA Health can confirm the death of one person – a woman in her 80s – who tested positive for COVID-19 in the 24-hour period as of 8 p.m. last night. Due to patient confidentiality, no further information will be released by the department regarding this death.

As of 8 p.m. last night, there were 22 people with COVID-19 in the hospital, none of whom were in the intensive care unit.

Detail total case

Active Zone (new cases until 8pm last night)

Metropolitan 7,745 (2,192)

Gold Fields 136 (41)

Great Southern 18 (4)

Kimberly 10 (4)

Midwest 25 (10)

Pilbara 83 (14)

Southwest 116 (41)

Weight Belt 51 (18)

Notes:

1. This data is based on the residential zip code for each case. The case may have a sequestration address in another area.

2. The remainder of the daily reported cases (99) have not yet been identified. The data will continue to be reconfigured while this information is verified.

Of the 2423 cases, 1580 were confirmed by PCR testing, and the remaining 843 were positive self-reported rapid antigen tests. A total of 15,103 PCR tests were performed at state-run disease clinics or private disease clinics yesterday.

Australia has recorded 14,589 cases of infection since the COVID-19 pandemic began.