ENCINITAS, CA — As the latest wave of COVID-19 continues to increase the number of cases in California, Encinitas residents will soon be able to get the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, the county’s Health and Human Services Agency announced Friday.
Novavax, which is used worldwide, will be available to San Diego County residents at local health care providers, retail pharmacies, community clinics and county public health centers and at community vaccination events as early as this weekend.
Using protein-based technology, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has used a two-dose vaccine for decades to treat diseases such as hepatitis B, herpes and human papillomavirus. It works by representing a certain part of the virus, allowing the body to build up immunity against it.
Find out what’s happening in Encinitaswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Vaccines are given to people over the age of 18 at intervals of three to eight weeks. According to clinical trials, the vaccine is 90 percent effective in preventing mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 disease.
“This is another vaccine we need to slow the spread of COVID-19, especially now that we’re seeing an increase in cases and hospitalizations,” Cameron Kaiser, San Diego County’s deputy public health officer, said in a statement. “San Diegans now have another safe choice to prevent serious complications from COVID.”
Find out what’s happening in Encinitaswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
According to clinical trials, Novavax did not cause serious side effects. Most of the reactions were reported to be mild or milder than the effects seen with the COVID-19 vaccine using mRNA technology, such as pain, tenderness, redness and swelling at the injection site.
Everyone six months and older is entitled to a free vaccine against COVID-19.
The news comes a week after federal officials and the Vaccine Safety Scientific Review Task Force approved the vaccine’s use.
“California states can be confident that Novavax meets the FDA’s rigorous safety and efficacy standards required for emergency use approval,” California Health & Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly and California Department of Public Health Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás J. Aragón said in a joint statement.
“If you’ve been waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine built on a technology different from what’s been available before, now is the time to join the millions of Americans who have been vaccinated,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, Ph.D., said in a statement. , upholding an earlier decision by an influential advisory board.
Most Americans have received at least their primary vaccinations against COVID-19 by now, but CDC officials said that between 26 million and 37 million adults have not received a single dose — the population that Novavax will target, for now.
“We really need to focus on that population,” said CDC adviser Dr. Oliver Brooks, a former president of the National Medical Association. Hopefully the vaccine will “convert them from unvaccinated to vaccinated.”
While it’s unclear how much they will be convinced by a more conventional option, “I’m really positive about this vaccine,” agreed fellow adviser Dr. Pablo Sanchez of Ohio State University.
The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus in San Diego County rose by 13 to 450, but even that number fell by 15 from last week, according to state data released Thursday.
As of Monday, 465 people in the county were hospitalized with COVID-19 – the most since the end of February.
Intensive care patients with COVID decreased by one to 47 as of Thursday. There were three fewer hospital beds available on Thursday, for a total of 221.
The county’s Health and Human Services Agency reported 1,678 new infections and 10 deaths Thursday, bringing the county’s cumulative total to 881,729 cases and 5,409 deaths.
The San Diego County case rate per 100,000 residents age 12 and older is 54.35 for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated, 32.53 for fully vaccinated, and 93.86 for incompletely vaccinated San Diegans.
According to the county’s Health and Human Services Agency, laboratory-confirmed cases of the coronavirus remain close to 10,000 per week, a number that does not include home tests. HHSA also reported that it has also seen an increase in re-infections – San Diegans who have tested positive for COVID-19 several times during the pandemic. According to national data, previous infection does not necessarily prevent re-infection with one of the newer variants of the virus.
More than 3 million, or 89.9 percent, of San Diegans 6 months and older are at least partially vaccinated. More than 2.65 million or 79.3 percent have been fully vaccinated. A total of 1,416,251 or 58% of the 2,430,747 eligible San Diegans received the booster shot.
City News Service and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
The rules of replying:
How does the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine work?
The Novavax vaccine uses a telltale part of the coronavirus: the notorious spike protein. By itself, the spike protein is harmless and cannot cause COVID-19. When your immune system encounters the lone spike protein, it produces antibodies against it. This gives you protection against future COVID-19 infection.
What exactly does the COVID-19 vaccine do to the body? Vaccines against COVID-19 help our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to get sick.
What is a protein subunit vaccine?
Protein subunit vaccines contain harmless and purified parts (proteins) of the virus, which have been specially selected for their ability to stimulate immunity. Protein subunit vaccines are already used for other diseases. An example of an existing protein subunit vaccine is that for hepatitis B.
What do spike proteins do in COVID-19?
One of the key biological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, as well as several other viruses, is the presence of spike proteins that allow these viruses to penetrate host cells and cause infection.
What is the Pfizer spike protein vaccine for COVID-19?
The SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (mRNA-LNP, spike protein) is used as an active immunization against COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus in patients aged 5 years and older.
How do inactivated vaccines work?
Inactivated vaccines use a killed version of the germ that causes the disease. Inactivated vaccines usually do not provide immunity (protection) as strong as live vaccines. Therefore, you may need several doses over time (boosters) to build permanent immunity against the disease.
Are inactivated virus vaccines safer than live attenuated vaccines?
Inactivated viral vaccines also contain the disease-causing virus or its parts, but their genetic material has been destroyed. Because of this, they are considered safer and more stable than live attenuated vaccines and can be given to people with compromised immune systems.
Does Novavax use mRNA?
Called Novavax, it’s a more traditional vaccine that uses moth cells and tree bark. Instead of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna) or a viral vector vaccine (Johnson & Johnson), Novavax is a subunit protein vaccine.
Can you get Novavax as a COVID-19 booster vaccine?
Currently, the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is only approved as a two-dose primary series, so it cannot be used as a booster.
Is Novavax an mRNA vaccine?
Called Novavax, it’s a more traditional vaccine that uses moth cells and tree bark. Instead of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna) or a viral vector vaccine (Johnson & Johnson), Novavax is a subunit protein vaccine.
When will new Covid booster be available in US?
Officials have signaled that omicron-specific boosters will be available to Americans this fall. The US has purchased more than 170 million total doses of omicron boosters from Pfizer and Moderna. (That’s not enough for all 330 million Americans.
Are mRNA COVID-19 vaccines safe?
mRNA vaccines are safe and effective. mRNA vaccines are held to the same rigorous safety and efficacy standards as all other types of vaccines in the United States.
Do mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 have long-term effects? The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were created using messenger RNA (or mRNA) technology, which has been used for about 10 years in cancer treatment, with no long-term effects detected. And even before that, scientists have been working with mRNA technology for years. 3. mRNA technology does not change your DNA.
Are long term side effects possible with the COVID-19 vaccine?
The benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks Serious side effects that could cause long-term health problems are extremely uncommon after any vaccination, including the one against COVID-19.
Does the 4th booster protect against the Omicron variant of COVID-19?
Conclusions Findings suggest that compared with the third dose of the covid-19 mRNA vaccine, the fourth dose improved protection against infection, symptomatic infection, and severe outcomes among long-term care residents during the omicron dominant period.
What are the possible side effects of the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines?
Possible side effects: pain, redness or swelling at the injection site and/or tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever or feeling sick all over. If these side effects occur, they should disappear within a few days. A few side effects are serious but rare.
Are there any safety concerns concerning mRNA technology of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine?
The FDA has no specific questions regarding the safety of vaccines using this technology.
Do mRNA COVID-19 vaccines cause heart inflammation?
These cases usually occur in male adolescents and young adults after the second dose and within a week of vaccination. It is important to seek medical help if symptoms appear (chest pain, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, tremors or palpitations).
How long has the mRNA vaccine been around?
MRNA vaccines have already been studied for influenza, Zika, rabies and cytomegalovirus (CMV). As soon as the necessary information about the virus that causes COVID-19 was available, scientists began designing mRNA instructions for cells to build a unique spike protein into an mRNA vaccine.
Do mRNA COVID-19 vaccines cause heart inflammation?
These cases usually occur in male adolescents and young adults after the second dose and within a week of vaccination. It is important to seek medical help if symptoms appear (chest pain, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, tremors or palpitations).
Can COVID-19 cause heart inflammation?
Viruses are a common cause of inflammation of the heart – known as myocarditis – and the coronavirus is no different. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in September research showing that patients with COVID-19 have a nearly 16-fold increased risk of myocarditis compared to patients without COVID-19.
Can I get myocarditis if I have COVID-19?
Myocarditis is uncommon among patients with and without COVID-19; however, COVID-19 is a strong and significant risk factor for myocarditis, with the risk varying by age group.
What is the Pfizer spike protein vaccine for COVID-19?
The SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (mRNA-LNP, spike protein) is used as an active immunization against COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus in patients aged 5 years and older.
What is a protein subunit vaccine? Protein subunit vaccines contain harmless and purified parts (proteins) of the virus, which have been specially selected for their ability to stimulate immunity. Protein subunit vaccines are already used for other diseases. An example of an existing protein subunit vaccine is that for hepatitis B.
Will a COVID-19 vaccine alter my DNA?
Not. MRNA vaccines against COVID-19 do not alter or interact with your DNA in any way.
What is COVID-19 genomic sequencing?
When you get tested for COVID-19, you won’t know which variant caused your infection. This is because the tests for COVID-19 only detect the presence of the virus – they do not determine the variant. Genomic sequencing looks at the genetic code of the virus to determine which variant caused the infection.
Are long term side effects possible with the COVID-19 vaccine?
The benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks Serious side effects that could cause long-term health problems are extremely uncommon after any vaccination, including the one against COVID-19.
What do spike proteins do in COVID-19?
One of the key biological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, as well as several other viruses, is the presence of spike proteins that allow these viruses to penetrate host cells and cause infection.
What are the effects of the COVID-19 spike protein on the immune system?
When SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, enters the body, its spike protein binds to the ACE2 receptor and thus enters the cell. The immune system reacts by producing protective antibodies that bind to the invading virus, blocking or neutralizing its effects.
Does the 4th booster protect against the Omicron variant of COVID-19?
Conclusions Findings suggest that compared with the third dose of the covid-19 mRNA vaccine, the fourth dose improved protection against infection, symptomatic infection, and severe outcomes among long-term care residents during the omicron dominant period.
How was the COVID-19 vaccine developed so quickly?
Scientists began work on a vaccine against COVID-19 in January 2020. Dedicated vaccine funding has helped vaccine candidates move through preclinical/clinical evaluations and trials, quickly and thoughtfully. This allowed researchers to advance to phase 3 clinical trials (testing the vaccine on large groups of people to assess safety and effectiveness) in six months instead of the usual two years. The vaccine was mass-produced before the end of clinical studies to save time.
How long has the mRNA vaccine been around? MRNA vaccines have already been studied for influenza, Zika, rabies and cytomegalovirus (CMV). As soon as the necessary information about the virus that causes COVID-19 was available, scientists began designing mRNA instructions for cells to build a unique spike protein into an mRNA vaccine.
Who is the scientist that developed the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine?
dr. Katalin Kariko, senior vice president at BioNTech, and Drew Weissman, MD, professor of vaccine research at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, made a breakthrough discovery by modifying messenger RNA (mRNA), which instructs cells to make proteins.
Who developed the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine?
Oxford-AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine was developed in collaboration with Oxford University, is produced by AstraZeneca and COVISHIELD, licensed and manufactured by AstraZeneca-SKBioscience (AZ-SKBio) in South Korea.
Does the 4th booster protect against the Omicron variant of COVID-19?
Conclusions Findings suggest that compared with the third dose of the covid-19 mRNA vaccine, the fourth dose improved protection against infection, symptomatic infection, and severe outcomes among long-term care residents during the omicron dominant period.
Are COVID-19 vaccines safe even though the vaccines were developed rapidly?
Although vaccines against COVID-19 have been developed quickly, the research and development of such vaccines takes decades. All steps are taken in vaccine development to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine, including: Clinical Trials â All vaccines in the United States must go through three phases of clinical trials to ensure they are safe and effective. Phases overlapped to speed up the process, but all phases were completed. Authorization or Approval â Before vaccines become available to people, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews data from clinical trials. The FDA has determined that three vaccines against the disease COVID-19 meet FDA standards and has assigned these vaccines an external emergency use authorization (EUA) icon or full FDA approval.
Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe?
All currently approved or approved vaccines against COVID-19 are safe and effective and reduce the risk of severe disease. Vaccination can reduce the spread of disease, which helps protect those who are vaccinated and the people around them.
Are long term side effects possible with the COVID-19 vaccine?
The benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks Serious side effects that could cause long-term health problems are extremely uncommon after any vaccination, including the one against COVID-19.
What COVID-19 vaccines are using mRNA technology?
Vaccines produced by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna use mRNA to fight COVID-19. When these vaccines were released, it was the first time that mRNA was used in humans in vaccine technology. Although the concept is new to the public, research has been going on since the early 1990s. What are mRNA vaccines? 2/11
Which COVID-19 vaccines are based on mRNA technology?
Vaccines produced by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna use mRNA to fight COVID-19. When these vaccines were released, it was the first time that mRNA had been used in humans in vaccine technology. Although the concept is new to the public, research has been going on since the early 1990s.
How is Novavax COVID-19 vaccine different?
While other vaccines trick the body’s cells into creating parts of the virus that can trigger the immune system, the Novavax vaccine takes a different approach. It contains the spike protein of the coronavirus itself, but formulated as a nanoparticle, which cannot cause disease.
