Novavax changes Key Messages From 5 July, Novavax booster will be available without a prescription. This gives everyone over 18 years old a choice in which COVID-19 booster vaccine they receive. ●
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The Government has agreed the use of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine Nuvaxovid as a booster without a prescription, giving people more choice and more opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. This decision follows Medsafe’s update to the provisional approval, to include use of Nuvaxovid as a booster after the primary course of any of the COVID-19 vaccines available in New Zealand.
Staying up to date with the recommended COVID-19 vaccinations will continue to protect you from the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation, or death from COVID-19. From 5 July, a free Novavax booster is available to those over 18, at least six months after completing their primary course of any COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer, Astra Zeneca or Novavax) at select vaccination centres around the country. Background ● Novavax is not yet available on the programme as a second booster. However, you can discuss your situation with your healthcare provider, and they can provide a prescription if appropriate. ● If you’ve had COVID-19, you should wait at least 3 months after your infection before you get your booster. ● Pfizer remains the preferred COVID-19 vaccine for use in New Zealand, reflecting its excellent safety and effectiveness profile. ● You can check when you are due for a booster by visiting mycovidrecord.nz or referring to your purple vaccination card, if you have one. ● You can book an appointment for a Novavax booster dose through Book My Vaccine or by calling the COVID Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week).
Q&As Novavax vaccine (Nuvaxovid) booster Can I get a Novavax COVID-19 vaccine booster if I had a different vaccine as my primary dose? Yes. Novavax is approved for use as a booster after a primary course for any of the COVID-19 vaccines available in New Zealand – Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Novavax for 18 years and over. What age do people need to be to get a Novavax COVID-19 vaccine booster? 18-year-olds and above can get a Novavax COVID-19 vaccine booster. How long do I have to wait after a primary course to get the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine booster? You can get the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine booster six months after completion of the primary course (for most people, this is two doses). Why is the Government offering Novavax COVID-19 vaccine as an option now? It’s important that everyone who is eligible for a booster, gets a booster. However, we recognise that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster isn’t suitable for everyone, so we want to be able to provide another option.