Novavax: Where can you get Canada’s most recently approved COVID-19 vaccine? & More News Here – Upjobsnews

Article content

The two-dose Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine, created by the U.S. company Novavax, has been authorized for use in Canada for more than two months now. Recently, the rollout of the vaccine in clinics in most provinces and territories has begun.

Article content

Here is all you need to know about finding Novavax near you.

What is Novavax?

The Novavax vaccine is different from the Pfizer and Moderna shots as it is protein-based rather than an mRNA vaccine.

In clinical trials, it showed that one week after a second dose the vaccine is 90 per cent effective in protecting those 18 years of age or older against moderate and severe COVID infection, according to a Novavax press release. The shot’s safety and effectiveness in those younger than 18 have not been established yet.

Health Canada has approved a dosing schedule of two shots, 21 days apart. Certain provinces and territories are using it as second, third, and fourth doses as well as part of a mixed series with other approved vaccines.

Article content

How many Novavax shots does Canada have?

In a tweet posted on Mar. 31, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced that the government had begun to receive 3.2 million doses of the Novavax vaccine.

As of Apr.14, there have been 72,000 doses distributed in Canada. Every province and territory has received some except for Nunavut.

The current allocation of Novavax in Canada as of Apr. 14 is:

Ontario: 30,000

Manitoba: 10,300

Alberta: 10,000

Quebec: 7,500

British Columbia: 6,600

Saskatchewan: 4,200

Northwest Territories: 1,100

Nova Scotia: 1,000

New Brunswick: 500

Prince Edward Island: 400

Newfoundland and Labrador: 200

Yukon: 100

Federal Allocation (doses for PHAC, the Canadian Armed Forces, Correctional Service Canada, and Global Affairs Canada): 100

Article content

Nunavut: 0

What provinces are currently offering Novavax and how can you find a dose?

While most provinces and territories have begun to get shipments of the Novavax vaccine, some have been faster to administer it than others. Most health authorities are offering the vaccine to those who have had reactions to mRNA vaccines or refuse other vaccine options.

These are the provinces and territories that are currently offering Novavax:

A spokesperson for the Government of British Columbia said that as of Apr. 13, appointments for the vaccine can be booked at select pharmacies for people on the waitlist for Novavax. Adults in British Columbia can request the Novavax vaccine by calling 1-833-838-2323.

According to Alberta Health Services, Novavax has been available at some province-run clinics since Apr. 12. You can book an appointment to receive this vaccine through Health Link by calling 811.

Article content

Similarly, since Apr. 11 Novavax has been available in limited quantities at select Saskatchewan Health Services walk-in clinics. Appointments for the vaccine can be booked in advance by calling 1-833-SASKVAX (727-5829).

A spokesperson from the Government of Manitoba said that Novavax will be available starting this week in the province through health-care providers that have ordered it. Contact your health-care provider to find out if they have appointments.

Novavax is currently available in Ontario at Public Health Units across the province, said a spokesperson for the Ontario government. Individuals should contact their Public Health Unit to request the vaccine and a time for administration will be coordinated.

Article content

Quebec’s Ministry of Health and Social Services began offering Novavax at walk-in clinics at specific time slots on April 13. To find out which clinics offer Novavax and to book your appointment, visit the ministry’s webpage on booking your first dose.

Currently, the New Brunswick Department of Health offers Novavax at certain pharmacies. There are two in the Moncton area that offer the vaccine, one in the Saint John area, two in the Fredericton area, and one in the Miramichi area. If you cannot find a pharmacy in your area offering the vaccine, call 1-833-437-1424 and they will assist you in booking an appointment.

The Nova Scotia Health Authority began offering the Novavax vaccine as a first, second or third dose on Apr. 8. You can book online or by calling 1-833-797-7772.

Article content

In Prince Edward Island, you can get Novavax at certain Health PEI partner pharmacies. Provincial vaccination clinics are currently only offering Pfizer or Moderna. There is one pharmacy in Prince County that offers the vaccine, two in Queens County, and one in Kings County.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Health and Community Services currently offers the Novavax vaccine. To schedule an appointment, you must contact your regional health authority by phone.

The Yukon Department of Health and Social Services is currently working with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health to update the immunization manual and train immunizers to provide Novavax to Yukoners, said a spokesperson for the department. Details on how to book an appointment will be added to yukon.ca as soon as the program is operational.

A spokesperson from the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority said that they are currently waiting for their supply of Novavax to be delivered and will announce its availability when they receive it.