COVID-19 Novavax Vaccine Now Available for adolescents aged 12 – 17

Teens can register today to receive the COVID-19 Novavax vaccine!

Following approvals from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is now offering the COVID-19 Novavax vaccine to adolescents aged 12 - 17. Novavax is a two-dose primary series given 3 weeks apart. Novavax uses a different technique than the other COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. Instead of using mRNA, which provides the instructions for your body to create the COVID-19 spike protein which in turn induces your body’s immune response, Novavax's vaccine injects a small protein that your body detects and triggers its immune response. The Novavax vaccine is based on a well-established method of vaccine development that has been used for years in other vaccines such as the human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, influenza, and shingles. Approved COVID-19 vaccines in the United States include:

• Pfizer-BioNTech (mRNA vaccine)
• Moderna (mRNA vaccine)
• Johnson & Johnson (viral vector vaccine)
• *New* Novavax (protein subunit vaccine)

Moderna, Novavax, and Pfizer are recommended for primary vaccination and Moderna and Pfizer are recommended for booster doses and must be used for the second booster dose. A person’s eligibility for a booster dose(s) depends on age, primary series product, and immunocompetence. Fully vaccinated is considered 2 weeks after the final dose in a primary series. People are considered up to date with COVID-19 vaccines when they receive all doses in the primary series and all boosters recommended, when eligible.  HCPH urges residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 if they have not done so already or get a booster shot for those who qualify. All COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are safe, effective, and provide strong protection against severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Vaccines provided by HCPH are free and appointments are not required though encouraged. If you would like to schedule an appointment, go to ReadyHarris.org, vacstrac.hctx.net, or call 832-927-8787. To find a location near you, click here.