The United Kingdom has added a fifth COVID-19 vaccine to its vaccine armamentarium as it approved the Novavax jab for use in people aged above 18 years.  

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency stated that the jab is safe as a first and second dose in adults. The vaccine is reported to offer up to 89% protection against COVID-19 illness. The original investigation was conducted against the earlier Wuhan and Alpha variants of the virus. In December, Novavax had announced that two doses of the vaccine were also effective in evoking an immune response against the Omicron variant.

Health Secretary SajidJavid said that independent scientists on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation will consider the vaccine’s use, and it could then be used immediately as part of the UK vaccination program… (BBC – The Guardian, February 3, 2022)