The Novavax vaccine might become the fourth one approved by the UK. Credit: PA

 

A jab made by the US firm Novavax could become the fourth vaccine to be approved in the UK. This comes after promising results from a late-stage trial. The new Novavax vaccine has shown 89.3% efficacy in large-scale UK trials.

Nearly 7.5 million people across the UK have already received a vaccine against Covid-19. The Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca jabs are already being distributed, while the Moderna vaccine has been approved for use.

But what is different about the Novavax vaccine and how does it work?

Picture by: Asda/Alex Bradbury/PinPep; PA Media

How does the vaccine work?

The Novavax vaccine is different from the Oxford/AstraZeneca and the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are based on the virus’ genetic instructions for building the spike protein. However, the Novavax vaccine contains spike proteins from moth cells infected with a genetically modified virus.

The Novavax vaccine works by teaching the immune system to make antibodies to this spike protein.

It combines this engineered protein from the virus, which causes Covid-19, with a plant-based ingredient in order to help generate a stronger immune response.

A similar method of growing and harvesting virus proteins is already used to make licensed vaccines for HIV and influenza.

The vaccine is given in two doses. If a vaccinated body encounters the virus, it is taught to fight it off.

How effective is the Novavax vaccine?

Phase 3 trials of the experimental vaccine suggest it is 89.3% effective against Covid-19. More than 15,000 people between the ages of 18 and 84 took part in the clinical trial, which was supported by the UK National Institute for Health Research.

The study assessed how effective it was when transmission of the new Coronavirus was high in the UK.

The vaccine was 95.6% effective against Covid-19, and offered 85.6% protection against the strain first detected in the UK.

Does it work against the South African strain?

An early stage study was carried out in South Africa on 4,400 people, including some volunteers with HIV.

In the South African trial, where most cases of Coronavirus were the South African strain, the vaccine was 60% effective in preventing mild, moderate and severe Coronavirus among those who are HIV negative.

For those who were HIV positive and whose immune systems were compromised, the jab proved to be 49% effective.

Novavax plans to immediately start working on a vaccine which is targeting the South African strain especially.

How many doses will be available?

The UK has ordered 60 million vials of the vaccine. They will be manufactured at the Fujifilm plant in Stockton-on-Tees.

Picture by: Danny Lawson; PA Media

How is it stored? 

The Novavax vaccine only needs to be stored at fridge temperatures, just like the Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines.

This means the distribution and supply chain management is easier than it is for the Pfizer vaccine, which has to be stored at -70C.

How much will it cost the UK goverment?

The treatment comes at a cost of £11.66 per vaccination, which is cheaper than both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, but more expensive than the AstraZeneca vaccine.