The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world to its knees, and the development and distribution of vaccines have been critical in the fight against the virus. One of the vaccines that has gained widespread attention against the pandemic’s backdrop is the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. This article provides insight into the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, how it works, and the US government’s stance on procuring additional doses during the pandemic.

Understanding the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine
The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, also known as NVX-CoV2373, is a protein subunit vaccine developed by the biotechnology company Novavax. Unlike other mRNA vaccine options or viral vector vaccines, the Novavax vaccine employs a different approach.

• Protein subunit vaccine
  The Novavax vaccine is a protein subunit vaccine. This means it contains a harmless piece of the virus, in this case, the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. This spike protein is not infectious but is enough to stimulate an immune response when introduced into the body.
• Adjuvant
  To enhance the body’s immune response, Novavax includes an adjuvant called Matrix-M in its vaccine. The adjuvant is a substance that helps boost the body’s immune response to the spike protein, making the vaccine more effective.

Certainly, here’s another piece to further understand the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine:

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine’s innovative approach leverages the power of genetic engineering and recombinant technology to create a safe and effective immunization strategy. The dual action of stimulating both antibody production and T cell activation provides comprehensive protection, while forming long-lasting memory cells ensures sustained immunity.

How the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine works?
The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine’s mechanism of action can be summarized in a few key steps:

• Introduction of spike protein
  When the Novavax vaccine is administered, it delivers a harmless piece of the spike protein found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into the body.
• Immune response activation
  The immune system recognizes this foreign spike protein as a potential threat and mounts an immune response.
• Antibody production
  The immune system produces antibodies specifically targeted against the spike protein. These antibodies are essential for fighting off the actual virus if the person is exposed to it in the future.
• Memory cells formation
  In addition to antibodies, the vaccine also triggers the production of memory cells. These cells “remember” how to fight the virus, providing long-term immunity.
• Recombinant technology
  Novavax’s vaccine employs recombinant technology, which involves genetically engineering a harmless version of the spike protein found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This engineered spike protein is then used as the key component of the vaccine.
• Production of virus-like particles
  The Novavax vaccine assembles these spike proteins into virus-like particles (VLPs) inside the body. These VLPs mimic the actual virus without containing its genetic material, making them non-infectious.
• Immune system activation
  When the VLPs are introduced via vaccination, they stimulate the immune system to recognize them as a threat. This triggers a robust immune response, including the activation of B cells and T cells.
• B-Cell antibody production
  B cells are activated to produce antibodies specifically targeting the spike protein. These antibodies can neutralize the spike protein, preventing it from attaching to human cells and initiating an infection.
• T-cell activation
  In addition to antibody production, the Novavax vaccine also activates T cells. They play a critical role in the immune response by identifying and destroying infected cells. This dual response involving antibodies and T cells enhances the vaccine’s effectiveness.
• Long-lasting immunity
  The Novavax vaccine not only generates an initial immune response but also creates memory cells. Memory B cells and memory T cells “remember” the spike protein, allowing the immune system to mount a rapid and effective defense if the individual is exposed to the actual virus in the future.
• Protection against variants
  One advantage of the Novavax vaccine’s approach is that it can be adapted to address emerging variants of the virus. By modifying the genetic sequence used in the vaccine, Novavax can create updated versions to maintain its efficacy against new strains of the virus.

Thus, the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine utilizes recombinant technology to create virus-like particles that mimic the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This stimulates a robust immune response involving the production of antibodies and the activation of T cells.

The US Government’s approach to procuring additional doses
Recently, the US government has been actively engaged in securing additional vaccine doses to ensure the nation’s population is adequately protected. Novavax’s vaccine has been part of this effort. The government provided substantial financial support to Novavax to aid in the development and production of its vaccine. Recognizing the potential value of the Novavax vaccine in the ongoing fight against COVID-19 and its variants, the US government has expressed interest in procuring additional doses. This move reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring vaccine availability and bolstering the nation’s defenses against the virus.

Shares of the vaccine rose 3.2% after the Wall Street Journal reported the news of the release of new Novavax doses. In addition to securing doses for domestic use, the government has also contributed to global vaccine access efforts. This includes commitments to donate vaccines to countries in need and support for vaccine distribution initiatives worldwide.

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine represents a promising addition to the arsenal of vaccines available in the fight against the pandemic. Its protein subunit approach and adjuvant have shown efficacy in clinical trials. The government’s proactive approach to securing additional doses of the Novavax vaccine demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding the health of the nation and contributing to global efforts to combat COVID-19. Having a diverse range of vaccines and sufficient doses is vital in the ongoing battle against the virus and its variants.

Reference links:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-government-buy-15-mln-more-novavax-covid-vaccine-doses-2023-02-13/

https://ir.novavax.com/press-releases/2023-02-13-U-S-Government-and-Novavax-Extend-Partnership%2C-Securing-Up-to-1-5-Million-Additional-Doses-of-Novavax-COVID-19-Vaccine

https://www.novavax.com/science-technology/matrix-m-adjuvant-technology#:~:text=Adjuvants%20are%20frequently%20used%20in%20protein%2Dbased%20vaccines.&text=Novavax%20has%20developed%20its%20own,work%20with%20our%20nanoparticle%20vaccines

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK584981/