COVID-19 Vaccination Update: Novavax (Nuvaxovid)
Advisory Alert
April 26, 2022
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To: Local Health System Partners
FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
This Advisory Alert provides an overview on the eligibility and administration of the Novavax (Nuvaxovid) vaccine as well as how to request an appointment.
Novavax availability and vaccine preference
The Novavax (Nuvaxovid) vaccine is the first recombinant protein subunit COVID-19 vaccine authorized for use in Canada. It is now available in Ontario and locally.
The Ministry of Health continues to recommend mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) as the preferred choice for protection against the COVID-19 virus. The Novavax vaccine is a new vaccine option for clients aged 18 years and older who have been unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine due to contraindications, or who were not willing to receive a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. As a reminder, the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine is only offered to clients aged 18 years and up when all other authorized COVID-19 vaccines are contraindicated. More information on the use of Novavax vaccine is provided in the COVID-19 Vaccine Administration (PDF, Ministry of Health).
The Novavax vaccine can also be offered as a booster dose to clients who are not able or not willing to receive an mRNA vaccine, regardless of the COVID-19 vaccines received in the primary series. However, this recommendation is off-label, as the Novavax vaccine is currently not authorized by Health Canada for use as a booster dose in Canada. More information on the use of Novavax as a booster dose is available in the COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose and Booster Recommendations (PDF, Ministry of Health).
As a reminder, the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Communications in a box includes up-to-date documents and medical directives.
Ordering information
Primary care providers who have entered into agreements to administer COVID-19 vaccine independently as part of the COVID-19 vaccination program, can now also administer the Novavax (Nuvaxovid) vaccine in their clinic setting to eligible clients. Novavax vaccine requests can be sent via email to vaccineorder@phsd.ca. Public Health will coordinate the distribution once the supply is received.
Client booking information for a Public Health clinic
Eligible clients who are unable to receive a mRNA vaccine, have not yet received an mRNA vaccine, and are over the age of 18 years old may request an appointment to receive the Novavax (Nuvaxovid) (Government of Canada) COVID-19 vaccine. Clients must be informed of the risks associated with recombinant protein subunit (PDF, National Advisory Council on Immunization) vaccines and must provide informed consent.
Appointments can be requested for the Novavax (Nuvaxovid) COVID-19 vaccine by:
- Calling (NEW) 705.522.9200 (toll-free: 1.866.522.9200)
- Providing a representative with the client’s name and contact information
- A representative will call the client back to schedule an appointment
- Before vaccination, an immunizer will review the client’s eligibility, discuss informed consent, and provide the client with education about risks and benefits (Government of Canada) associated with recombinant protein subunit vaccines
Please note, that due to limited quantities of the Novavax (Nuvaxovid) COVID-19 vaccine, clients may have to wait a couple of weeks before the next scheduled Novavax (Nuvaxovid) clinic. Clinics will take place throughout the months of May and June.
Local vaccination opportunities
Visit our Vaccination clinics for COVID-19 webpage for information on clinic dates, times, and locations. Eligible clients can attend a walk-in vaccination clinic or book an appointment online at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine or by calling (NEW) 705.522.9200 (toll-free: 1.866.522.9200). The call centre is open Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and is closed on statutory holidays.
Sincerely,
Original Signed By
Dr. Penny Sutcliffe
Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer
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This item was last modified on March 5, 2024