Tumgik
#Novavax Covid vaccine news
gwydionmisha · 2 years
Link
33 notes · View notes
memenewsdotcom · 2 years
Text
FDA approves Novavax
Tumblr media
View On WordPress
13 notes · View notes
yamameta-inc · 3 months
Text
The Swiss Cheese Model of Covid Prevention
Tumblr media
An edited version of the swiss cheese model tailored towards the measures that you as an individual can take to minimize your risk of infection. Public health is ultimately what its name implies, public, but that doesn't mean you're powerless.
Covid prevention is not all-or-nothing. Think of it as risk reduction, rather than a binary.
Let's go through these step by step.
VACCINES
The current vaccines are meant primarily to reduce chances of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. They will reduce your chance of infection a bit--but not nearly as much as you might think. You should still get your boosters regularly, because avoiding severe illness is of course worth doing.
If you haven't gotten the updated monovalent vaccine yet, go get it. It is not a booster. Think of it as a new vaccine. It's targeted towards the XBB lineages, which are now the most common variants. Your last boosters were likely of the bivalent type, aimed at both the original Covid strain from 2020 and Omicron. The new vaccine is monovalent, meaning it targets one family in particular.
Some studies suggest that the Novavax vaccine, which is a more traditional protein-based vaccine, is more effective and safer than mRNA vaccines, and offers better protection against future variants. Of course, the data we have so far isn't 100% conclusive (the last paper I linked is a preprint). Make of these findings what you will, just something to keep in mind. The new Novavax vaccine's availability is still limited, especially outside of the US.
MASKS
Tumblr media
Masking is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself. While it is true that masking and reducing Covid transmission protects those around you, the idea that masks can't protect the wearer is outdated information from the early days of the pandemic when medical authorities refused to acknowledge that Covid is airborne.
The key to protecting yourself is to wear a well-fitting respirator. You want to minimize any gaps where air might leak out. If your glasses get fogged up, that's a sign that air is leaking.
Headbands will always have a tighter fit than earloop masks (and therefore provide better protection). However, you can use earloop extenders to improve the fit of earloop masks. You can find these online. Your comfort in wearing a mask is important, but there are options for compromise.
The above graphic doesn't include elastomeric respirators. While some (like the Flo Mask) are expensive, they can be much more affordable than buying disposables--look for P100 respirators at your local hardware store, but make sure it fits your face well.
For more general information, see this FAQ. For mask recommendations (NA-centric, sorry!), see my list here or Mask Nerd's YouTube channel.
For situations where you need to hydrate but don't want to take your mask off, consider the SIP valve.
Not even N95s are foolproof (N95 means it filters at least 95% of particles--with the other 5% potentially reaching you). Most people will likely not have a perfect fit. There will be situations where you'll have to take your mask off. The key is risk reduction, and that's why the Swiss cheese model is crucial.
If you can't afford high-quality masks, look for a local mask bloc or other organization that gives out free masks. Project N95 has unfortunately shut down. In Canada, there's donatemask.ca.
AVOID CROWDED INDOOR SPACES
This is rather self-explanatory. Indoor transmission is much, much, much more likely than outdoor transmission. If it's possible to move an activity outdoors instead, consider doing so.
If possible, try going to places like stores or the post office during less busy hours.
Viral particles can stay in the air for a considerable amount of time even after the person who expelled them has left. Do not take off your mask just because no one is currently present, if you know that it was previously crowded.
A CO2 monitor is a decent proxy for how many viral particles may have accumulated in the air around you. The gold standard is the Aranet4, but it's expensive, so here are some more affordable alternatives.
VENTILATION AND AIR FILTERS
Tumblr media
Ventilation is effective for the same reason that outdoors is safer than indoors. If it's warm enough, keep windows open whenever possible. If it's cold, even cracking them open occasionally is better than nothing. Try to open windows or doors on different sides of a room to maximize airflow.
HEPA air filters can significantly reduce viral transmission indoors. Make sure to find one suitable for the room size, and replace the filters regularly. You want to look for devices with HEPA-13 filters.
You can use websites like these to calculate how long it takes for a device to change all the air in a room. Remember what I said about viral particles being able to hang around even after people have left? If an air purifier provides 2 air changes per hour, that means that after 30 minutes, any potential viral particles should be gone.
If you can't afford a commercial air filter, here's a useful DIY filter you can make with relatively simple materials. The filtration capacity is great--but due to being built with duct tape, replacing filters will be a challenge.
If you have to hold meetings or meet with people at work, having a smaller filter on the desk between you will also reduce chances of infection.
As a bonus, HEPA filters will also filter out other things like dust and allergens!
REDUCE LENGTH OF EXPOSURE IF EXPOSURE IS UNAVOIDABLE
Viral load refers to the amount of virus in a person's blood. If you've been exposed to someone with Covid, how much you've been exposed matters.
You might escape infection if the viral load you've been exposed to is very small. Or, even if you get infected, there will be less virus in you overall, leading to milder illness--and crucially, a lower chance of the virus penetrating deep into your body, creating reservoirs in your organs and wreaking long-term havoc.
A low viral load is also less contagious.
This is the same reason that wearing your mask most of the time, but having to take it off for eating, is still much better than not wearing your mask at all.
RECHARGEABLE PORTABLE AIR FILTERS
Tumblr media
You might attract some odd looks. But if you're at high risk or just want to be as protected as possible, small portable air filters can help. Try to find models small enough to take with you on public transportation, to school, or while traveling.
These devices will be far too small to clean the air in the whole room. The goal is to have it filter air in your immediate vicinity. Be sure to angle the device so that the air is blowing in your face.
Unfortunately, rechargeable devices are much rarer and harder to find than normal air filters, and many are also expensive.
The best option at the moment, apart from DIY (which is possible, but you need to know what you're doing), seems to be the SmartAir QT3. The size and shape are a bit clunky, but it fits in a backpack. Its battery life isn't long, but it can be supplemented with a power bank.
NASAL SPRAYS
There's some research that suggests that some nasal sprays may be effective in reducing risk of infection by interfering with viruses' ability to bind to your cells.
These sprays are generally affordable, easy to find, and safe. The key ingredient is carrageenan, which is extracted from seaweed. So there are no potential risks or side effects.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging carefully. Here's a video on how to properly use nasal sprays if you've never used them before.
Covixyl is another type of nasal spray that uses a different key ingredient, ethyl lauroyl arginate HCI. It also aims to disrupt viruses' ability to bind to cell walls. Unfortunately, I think it's difficult to obtain outside of the US.
CONCLUSION
None of the methods listed here are foolproof on their own. But by layering them, you can drastically reduce your chances of infection.
The most important layers, by far, are masking and air quality. But you should also stay conscientious when engaging with those layers. Don't let yourself become complacent with rules of thumb, and allow yourself to assess risk and make thought out decisions when situations arise where you might have to take off your mask or enter a high-risk indoor area, such as a hospital.
Remember that the goal is risk reduction. It's impossible to live risk-free, because we live among countless other people. But you can use knowledge and tools to keep yourself as safe as possible.
1K notes · View notes
rtoffanin · 2 years
Link
Tumblr media
The F.D.A. last week authorized the vaccine as a primary immunization for adults. The C.D.C.’s full approval is the shot’s last regulatory hurdle.
BY REBECCA ROBBINS AND CARL ZIMMER | NYTimes Health | Disclosure
0 notes
freakingtrends · 2 years
Text
Novavax Shares Soar After Fourth COVID Vaccine Option Unveiled
Novavax Shares Soar After Fourth COVID Vaccine Option Unveiled
Novavax Shares Soar After Fourth COVID Vaccine Option Unveiled Novavax (NASDAQ: NVAX) shares rose today after the company unveiled its fourth potential vaccine against Group A Streptococcus, which causes strep throat, scarlet fever, and other serious infections in children and adults. Although the company says that it has not yet begun human clinical trials of the new vaccine, it plans to begin…
Tumblr media
View On WordPress
0 notes
Text
Hey everyone - if you live in or are near the US , you're over the age of 12, and it's been +2 months since your last jab you're eligible for a covid booster and Novavax is finally being rolled out! It's not an mRNA vaccine and has been shown to possibly be more effective against new variants than mRNA vaccines. It doesn't have the crappy side effects the day after either! It's the safest vaccine for anyone who has had adverse effects from the covid shot before. Here's a solid compilation of studies and news on it if you want to learn more
https://www.okdoomer.io/a-little-bit-of-good-news/
It'll be more widely available in a few weeks but many CVSs, RiteAids, and Costcos are carrying it nationwide. Costco doesn't require a membership. If you call your local pharmacy and ask them if/when they'll have it that might get them to sooner. Most of these have Novavax availability on their appointment scheduler websites but it's still worth calling to check or checking in person in case they're out of date. You can also search for it on vaccines.gov. Happy to help folks look locally where y'all are if you want. Important to check if the location will take your insurance because boosters are now >$100 out of pocket if you go out of network 🙃 If you don't have insurance there is also the Bridge Access Program. To be clear, the mRNA vaccines are still very good and getting boosted before the holiday season spike is the best thing to do regardless. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/bridge/index.html
635 notes · View notes
swampgallows · 4 months
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media
There is more COVID-19 transmission today (January 2024) than during 94.7% of the pandemic.
💉 Please get the updated (new, not a booster) Covid vaccine. If you're in the US, ask your local pharmacy about the Bridge Access Program for free vaccines. You can also search vaccines.gov then select Bridge Access Program participant.
If you do not want an mRNA vaccine for whatever reason, consider Novavax: it is protein-based like other typical vaccines from the last few decades, and many (including myself) report minimal side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns.
😷 Wear a mask in public and/or any enclosed areas. "Mask" means a respirator of KN95/N95 filtration or higher, not a cloth or surgical (blue) mask. Covid is airborne, so an airtight seal and particulate filter is necessary for protection. Different kinds of respirators are used for everything from toxic fumes to asbestos removal; when worn properly, they greatly reduce risk.
Here is a guide for proper use and fitting of a respiratory mask.
Here is a short video by 3M (respirator manufacturer) on the importance of fit-testing.
🧪 Have tests ready. With the new variants it can sometimes take 5-8 days to test positive, so be sure to test twice, 48 hours apart. If you're in the US, you can get 4 free rapid tests sent to your home through USPS. Local schools and libraries also may have free rapid tests. If you qualify for the Test to Treat program, you can receive free at-home NAAT tests and treatment for both flu AND Covid, and access to telehealth. The earlier you test positive, the more likely you will be eligible for treatment with Paxlovid.
🔁 If you can afford it, air purifiers and HEPA filters can help reduce transmission. Making a Corsi-Rosenthal box is simple and inexpensive. If weather permits, keeping windows open helps. Ventilation allows fresh air to circulate.
👃 Nasal sprays and CPC mouthwash are other useful prophylactic measures when used in conjunction with PPE and other modes of mitigation like masking and distancing.
🚬There is still a risk of Covid when outside, similar to exposure from secondhand smoke or a fire. Since Covid is spread through aerosols, it can hang in the air like smoke.
🐶 As with other coronaviruses, many household pets can get Covid. If you have been exposed, avoid contact with animals.
"But I'm not old or weak. Why should I care?"
☣ Covid can still kill you or disable you for life, even if your initial sickness is "mild". Even if you are young and have no preexisting conditions. 90% of the original "long haulers" had "mild" cases.
🩺 Covid increases your risk of stroke, blood clots, and heart disease by 2 to 5 times within a year of infection. It can also cause brain damage, which is part of the loss of taste and smell and cognitive symptoms like brain fog.
🩸 Covid is able to infect multiple organ systems because it travels through the bloodstream and attacks the mitochondria, leading to dysfunction and chronic fatigue.
⚠ Reinfection doesn't make your body better at fighting Covid; it just does more damage to your immune system, akin to HIV. A damaged immune system is worse at fighting off illness, more susceptible to infection, and can lead to serious complications like pneumonia. And with every reinfection, your chances of developing Long Covid increase. Therefore, the best protection for your immune system is to avoid getting Covid as much as possible.
I know everyone is tired of this. But if there was any time to be vigilant, it is now. Please, let's protect each other.
305 notes · View notes
hammercarexplosion · 8 days
Note
ay sis didn't you have a post about a covid vax that maintains like an 80% protection rate after a few months where normal Moderna is like 30-40%? I can't find it anymore
Elevated levels of antibodies is the actual figure, even if studies call it "protection." It's not a one to one ratio, even if covid didn't rapidly mutate toward immune escape with each new generation. I just wanted to make sure that was clear. Science communicators have been doing a bad job of making it clear it's not like a physical barrier we can rate at a sure percentage like a mask, it's a broad range of immune preparedness: you may not see the maximal or even median results based on personal health history, previous infections, weight, etc. That being said, vax up. Novavax seems to grant longer-lasting antibody protection which is shown to reduce chances of long covid and keep people out of the hospital. (Study linked on my covid blog) The best way to keep from catching covid remains wearing a well-fitted mask when you're in public. Vaccinated people can and do get sick, so other precautions (such as ventilation and distance activity when possible) are still needed to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
125 notes · View notes
Text
Health Canada has authorized an adapted vaccine from Novavax to prevent COVID-19 in people age 12 and older.
Novavax's product — Nuvaxovid XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant COVID-19 vaccine — uses a more traditional approach to defend the body against severe infection, hospitalization and death.
It is also authorized as a booster for those 18 and older, according to Health Canada's webpage.
Novavax said it expects to have doses available across the country. 
Novavax's first vaccine to protect against COVID-19, known as Nuvaxovid, was authorized for use in Canadians 18 and over by Health Canada in February 2022. [...]
Continue Reading.
Tagging: @politicsofcanada
78 notes · View notes
covidsafehotties · 12 days
Text
Given that other studies on immune escape show less connection between immune titers and halting new covid infections, this study is hopeful, showing "95% protection against infection" (meaning high antibody titres) after 10 months with novavax. Compare that to the ~20-40% of the mRNA options on the market.
25 notes · View notes
gwydionmisha · 2 years
Link
1 note · View note
pandemic-info · 7 months
Text
Tumblr media
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-updated-novavax-covid-19-vaccine-formulated-better-protect-against-currently
For Immediate Release: October 03, 2023
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) of the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted for use in individuals 12 years of age and older to include the 2023-2024 formula. Individuals 12 years of age and older previously vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine (and who have not already been vaccinated with a recently updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine) are eligible to receive one dose and unvaccinated individuals receive two doses
It should be at some pharmacies within a couple of weeks. Contact yours, or your health department.
A couple of reasons some people have chosen to wait for Novavax:
Data showing that it may offer a slightly boosted immune response & slightly better defense. And that mixed vaccination (called heterologous, meaning mRNA & non) may also offer expanded protection.
mRNA vaccines have been harsh for a lot of people, requiring multiple "sick" days, and/or other symptoms afterwards. Likewise many have a milder or no reaction to Novavax (non-mRNA).
That said, the numbers are not so drastically different. And everyone reacts differently. It's much better to get any vaccine you have access to than to continuously get reinfected with a virus that damages your entire body each time — vascular system, heart, brain, all of it.
There's a a massive wave of infections recently. If you're in frequent contact with others (have kids in school, work in-person, etc), it's safer to get the already-available mRNA vaccines if you're able to.
24 notes · View notes
hypaalicious · 7 months
Text
Y’all, go get the new Covid vaccine!
I’m sure others on here have talked about it already and ima just be late, but it’s important!
You can still get updated Covid vaccines/boosters for free if you’re uninsured through December 31, 2024 via the CDC’s Bridge Access Program and participating pharmacies.
Considering that the US government is in full “there is no war in Ba Sing Se” mode about Covid being “over” 🙄 not a lot of people even know a new vaccine exists! It was approved on September 12th and started distribution.
If you go through any CVS or Walgreens, I know for sure they’re a part of the Bridge Access Program and will specify online that you’re getting the (2023-2024) Covid vaccine formulated to target the new nasty variants. For most ppl, I’m gonna assume that the last time y’all got vaccinated was a whole year ago. 😬
Beloveds, it’s like we raw dogging Covid in 2020 again; those old shots ain’t doing shit for you now. You’ll need this new vaccine (it’s not a booster, it’s a whole new beast) to be best protected especially as we go into flu and holiday season.
Some things to note:
Always call the pharmacy to confirm your appointment and that they have the shot you’re looking for.
If you are uninsured, you may have to remind the pharmacy that it should be free for you. CVS was going to charge me $190 for one (1) shot so I called and had to explain to them what they’re enrolled in. Nobody working there even knew about it. This country is very ghetto so you’ll have to be diligent on getting what you need.
There are no multiple rounds this time, just one shot. Moderna and Pfizer are approved rn, Novavax I hear just passed some trials and should be available later as well if you prefer a non-mRNA dose.
This new one knocked me on my ass faster than the previous ones, but idk if that’s cause I actually got Covid back in April and my system is still sensitive. Either or, it’s working!
I will always push taking measures against Covid because our healthcare system is too busted and our government is pretty much leaving us to fend for ourselves during a deadly pandemic. So we gotta milk whatever we can to stay protected.
And as always, vaccination status or not:
Tumblr media
20 notes · View notes
gumjrop · 6 months
Text
The Weather (according to Wastewater)
SARS-CoV-2 levels in wastewater are being reported by Biobot again as they file an appeal with the CDC. For now, we will use the map below from WastewaterSCAN, another source for wastewater surveillance. One quarter of the nation’s wastewater testing sites remain shut down while the appeal is being processed, creating an overall gap in data reliability that we could continue to experience for several months to come. We anticipate releasing another COVID map depicting transmission levels developed by the People’s CDC in the coming weeks. According to WastewaterSCAN, nationally, COVID wastewater levels are at medium while the Northeast, Midwest, and the South are high since their last update from October 31, 2023. Across the US, COVID wastewater levels are at 239.7 Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) Normalized on October 31, 2023, down from a peak of 430.5 PMMoV Normalized on August 28, 2023, but slightly up from 201.8 PMMoV Normalized on October 18, 2023. PMMoV normalization differs from how Biobot normalizes data, so the raw numbers are not directly comparable with Biobot’s.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Wins
On October 27-29, #namingthelost hosted a memorial at St Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery in NYC in order to name, honor, and mourn the individuals that we have lost and continue to lose due to COVID and COVID-related complications. On their homepage, #namingthelost states “We know it didn’t have to be this way, that our country’s leaders made choices that risked our lives. We know we can choose a different way forward that is about caring for all of us.”
Hospitalizations and Deaths
New weekly hospitalizations associated with COVID have stopped dropping, staying at a constant of over 15,000 hospitalizations for the past three weeks including the week of October 28, 2023. According to the CDC’s COVID Data Tracker, there have been another 4,000 reported deaths from COVID in the past month of October. We mourn these 4,000 individuals as this is not “normal.” A reminder that the lives and livelihoods of everyone in our entire society continue to remain at stake. Do not lower your standards as many in society, especially those in the business sector, normalize this ongoing atrocity as they demand for a return to on-site work even though most people prefer the option of remote work. Continue to demand layers of protection such as high-quality masking, ventilation, filtration, and testing, in all settings to prevent ongoing COVID infections, hospitalizations, Long COVID, and death.
Tumblr media
Vaccines and Treatment
Do not wait to get an updated COVID vaccine for those 6 months and older! Multiple options are available including Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax. Access continues to be challenging especially for those with certain health insurance plans or who are uninsured. Lack of interest and access difficulties have likely all contributed to a low uptake of only 3.5% of Americans receiving the most recent and updated COVID vaccine. The Bridge Access program ensures no-cost access and you can find a location as determined by the federal government, but be sure to call ahead and ask to ensure local participation. Similarly, federal funding for COVID treatment options, such as Paxlovid and Lagevrio, have transitioned from the federal government to health insurance plans on November 1, 2023. Individuals with Medicare or Medicaid will have access through the end of 2024 and those uninsured will have access at least through the end of 2028 via the federal government, but limited information has been provided. Test to Treat locations continue to provide no-cost access to those without insurance while Pfizer’s Patient Assistance Program can also provide no-cost access to Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir–Ritonavir). If your health insurance plan does not cover COVID treatments such as Paxlovid, you can participate in the Co-Pay Savings Programs offered by Pfizer, which drops the cost out-of-pocket down to 140 dollars.
Long COVID
The scientific understanding of Long COVID continues to grow with a recent study demonstrating that viral persistence may potentially affect some individuals resulting in Long COVID. However, another study that compared Long COVID outcomes among patients who received Paxlovid at the Veterans Health System did not observe lower rates of Long COVID after treatment. A guaranteed treatment for Long COVID remains to be determined while the primary approach in avoiding this is to employ layers of protection such as consistently using a high quality mask or respirator in order to lower the risk, ultimately preventing a COVID infection.
Take Action
HICPAC, the federal committee that advises the CDC and DHHS on infection control practices in healthcare, met on November 2-3 and voted on draft documents, which continue to fail to protect patients and healthcare workers from COVID infections. We provided a nationwide virtual space to protest the CDC HIPCAC meeting on Thursday, November 2nd. Multiple members of the People’s CDC were recognized to provide public comments to members of HICPAC during the meeting. We also submitted the following official statement this week as our comment. We provide instructions and asked you to also submit a comment to them using our recommendations in response to their terrible decision via email to [email protected] by 11:59 pm on Monday, November 6th to include in their meeting minutes (date has passed). The next steps of their process will include the publication of draft documents in the Federal Register, which can be reviewed and commented on by the general public. Lastly, local groups are a primary opportunity to impact your community. Get involved locally and join a local group.
18 notes · View notes
blogynews · 7 months
Text
"Breaking News: FDA Greenlights Groundbreaking Update in Novavax Covid Vaccine—A Game-Changer in the Fight Against the Pandemic!"
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use authorization for Novavax’s updated Covid vaccine for individuals aged 12 and above. This approval paves the way for the vaccine to be available weeks after the release of new vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. However, the vaccine still requires an updated recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)…
Tumblr media
View On WordPress
18 notes · View notes
tomorrowusa · 4 months
Text
ProTip: Get your free yearly COVID and flu vaccinations before heading to holiday gatherings where you may run into unvaccinated MAGA relatives.
Welcome to sick season. According to the CDC, New York City, along with New Jersey and at least 16 other states are now experiencing “high” to “very high” levels of respiratory illness activity, as measured by the number of weekly visits to healthcare providers and emergency rooms by people experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, and sore throat . The culprits are the usual suspects: this year’s strains of influenza, COVID, and RSV. And though flu-like illness levels have been above baseline nationally for several consecutive weeks, the CDC warns that we still haven’t hit the peak. [ ... ] The CDC also sent out an alert to healthcare providers this week highlighting low vaccination rates for the three viruses.
I never stopped wearing a mask on crowded public transit. An increasing number of commuters are resuming the practice.
Beyond vaccination, for everyone, the best way to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like the flu and RSV is regular handwashing; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; and staying home if you get sick. High filtration face masks still work great, too, and not just for avoiding COVID.
Most of the time if a place offers COVID vaccines it also has flu vaccines. But just to be safe...
Vaccines.gov - Search for COVID‑19 vaccine locations
Vaccines.gov - Search for flu vaccine locations
At least at my CVS, they offer Novavax COVID vaccines free and without appointments. It might be necessary to schedule an appointment for flu and RSV vaccines.
10 notes · View notes