Staff at Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service (NIHRACS) have been working closely with the Australian Government to make available the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (Nuvaxovid) vaccine for our residents.
Novavax has been provisionally approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for use in a primary course (first or second dose) of vaccination in people aged 18 years and older.
Novavax has been demonstrated to be highly effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in adults in a primary schedule (first or second dose).
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) have released a statement involving recommendation for the use of Novavax
- The recommended schedule for administration is 2 doses (first or second dose), a minimum of 3 weeks apart.
- Novavax can be administered to pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Novavax can be administered to people with a prior history of SARS-CoV-2 infection
- Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is not currently recommended for use as a booster vaccine.
- Novavax COVID-19 vaccine can be co-administered with other vaccines if required.
The following groups are eligible to phone NIHRACS GP Clinic on 22091 during business hours to book in:
- All residents aged 18 or older who have not yet received a primary course (first or second dose) of COVID-19 vaccine
- People with severe immunocompromise to receive 3 primary doses of COVID-19 vaccine (Novavax can be administered as part of a mixed primary schedule to people who have received one or more doses of another COVID-19 vaccine, including as a third dose for people with severe immunocompromise).
A NIHRACS drive-through clinic will be held by appointment only on Wednesday 11th May 2022.
For further information on Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (Nuvaxovid), please see https://www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-statement-on-the-use-of-novavax-covid-19-vaccine-nuvaxovid