What is the #Nuvaxovid COVID vaccine and how is it different? @paulseaman.bsky.social and I have put together a comprehensive document summarizing the available information regarding the main differences between Nuvaxovid and the more common mRNA based #COVID vaccines. 🧪🧵1/ #Novavax #Vaccine
In providing this summary of available information regarding Nuvaxovid, we are not working for Sanofi or Novavax, posting on their behalf, or receiving compensation for this posting or for sales or marketing of the Nuvaxovid COVID vaccine. 2/ This document was compiled to provide interested individuals with available information to consider. It is not intended as advice, and you should always consult with your medical professional for specific advice regarding your specific situation and options. 3/ The link to the “What is the Nuvaxovid COVID vaccine and how is it different” Google Docs document which contains the full content of all 6 sections is available here ( tinyurl.com ) or direct link ( docs.google.com ). 4/
tinyurl.com
With the return of the Nuvaxovid COVID vaccine to Canada this fall in many provinces and territories, some supported in the public vaccine program and also available privately, we wanted to help people understand how it compares to the more common mRNA based COVID vaccines. 5/ We also plan to post the full content of each section over the next week as separate posts which include: - What is Nuvaxovid? - Matrix-M Adjuvant - Effectiveness of Nuvaxovid - Reactogenicity of Nuvaxovid - Durability of Nuvaxovid - Spike Spacing 6/ What is Nuvaxovid? Nuvaxovid is a protein-based COVID vaccine. It works by showing your immune system several Spike proteins already stuck together on a premade tiny round particle called a rosette that looks a bit like the real virus. 7/ The mRNA COVID vaccines instead tell your own cells to make the Spike protein. Nuvaxovid first arrived in Canada in 2022, was unavailable for a couple of years, and is coming back for fall 2026. 8/ Matrix-M Adjuvant Matrix-M is a natural substance taken from the bark of the soapbark tree. When injected it acts like a wake-up call for the immune system so that a much smaller amount of Spike protein (5 micrograms or µg) is enough. 9/ It helps the body notice the vaccine, create stronger and broader defenses against the COVID virus, and may let the immune system recognize more parts of the Spike, even if the virus later changes a little. 10/ Effectiveness of Nuvaxovid It is hard to compare vaccines perfectly because people’s immune histories and the circulating variants keep changing. Studies show both Nuvaxovid and the mRNA vaccines keep the risk of needing medical care or hospitalization very low. 11/ In some comparisons, Nuvaxovid did a bit better against infection after three doses; in others, mRNA boosters were seen to have a slight edge. Mixing different vaccine types sometimes produced broader protection. 12/ Reactogenicity of Nuvaxovid Most people report milder arm soreness and fewer whole-body symptoms (fever, fatigue, muscle aches) after Nuvaxovid than after mRNA vaccines. 13/ Large trials and real-world studies confirm this pattern: fewer moderate or severe reactions and less interference with daily life. Serious side effects remain rare for both types of COVID vaccines. 14/ Durability of Nuvaxovid Protection from any COVID vaccine fades over time. Some studies suggest protective antibodies from a Nuvaxovid booster drop more slowly than mRNA boosters, so it is possible that a bit more protection may remain between six to twelve months. 15/ Results still will depend on which variants are circulating and a person’s previous immune history from vaccines or infections. 16/ Spike Spacing The Spikes on the Nuvaxovid rosette particle are packed closer together than the Spikes made by mRNA vaccines or a real infection. 17/ Scientists think this closer spacing could help the body create special long-lasting antibody factories called long-lived plasma cells. This idea is still unproven for Nuvaxovid, but it is one possible reason the protection might last longer. 18/ This is a complex topic so please look at the full document available now which contains a lot more details and explanation for each section that these summaries alone cannot provide. The document is available here ( tinyurl.com ) or ( docs.google.com ). 19/
tinyurl.com
Stay tuned for posts that cover each section of the above document in full detail coming soon… 20/