Milwaukee Health Department Begins Administering Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine

MILWAUKEE – Beginning Tuesday, August 9, 2022, the Milwaukee Health Department will have the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine available at all three COVID-19 clinics. The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine was authorized on July 13, 2022 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use to prevent COVID-19. It is a two-dose series, administered three weeks apart, for individuals 18 years and older who have not previously received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. There is currently no booster series required.

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is different than the Moderna or Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, and experts are hopeful having multiple types of vaccines available will offer more flexibility for the public to protect themselves against the COVID-19 virus. Novavax is similar to other traditional vaccines that individuals may have received, such as the Hepatitis B vaccine.

The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines use mRNA to teach cells how to make a protein when injected, which triggers an immune response, which produces antibodies to protect against the virus in the future. The Novavax vaccine is a traditional subunit protein vaccine. Rather than using mRNA, the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine uses the premade coronavirus spike protein. When injected, immune systems produce antibodies against it, which provide future protection.

Like other COVID-19 vaccines, Novavax does not cause COVID-19 infection. It can’t get you sick. This vaccine doesn’t contain either live or inactivated virus. Studies show the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is 90.4% effective in preventing mild, moderate or severe cases of COVID-19.

Individuals interested in receiving the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine should visit the Northwest Health Center (7630 W. Mill Rd.), Southside Health Center (1639 S. 23rd St.), or Menomonee Valley Drive-Thru Clinic (2401 W. St. Paul Ave.). No appointment is needed and all COVID-19 vaccines are free of charge. Hours of operation available at Milwaukee.gov/COVIDvax.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.