By Tanya Terry, with featured photo of Dr. Chijioke Bennett provided by SVP Healthcare
This month, CDC projected that the variant JN.1 comprises an estimated 15–29% of in the United States as of December 8, 2023. It is currently the fastest-growing variant in the United States.
“Novavax continues to monitor the changing nature of the virus and is conducting ongoing testing of our vaccine as new mutations and variants evolve,” said Chijioke Bennett, MD, MPH, MBA, senior director, Clinical Development at Novavax.
Bennett added: “The JN.1 is closely related to a strain we have seen before (BA.2.86). It has evolved to have better transmissibility or somehow better escape immunity; however, thankfully it doesn’t seem to be causing severe disease. These attributes of the JN.1 variant necessitate the need for updated vaccinations, especially now.”
According to Bennett, preclinical data in animals has shown that when given Novavax’s updated XBB.1.5 vaccine (which is what we have available presently in the U.S.) following completion of the earlier primary series with a prototype/BA.5 vaccine, Novavax’s updated protein-based COVID-19 vaccine induces broadly neutralizing responses against strains not contained in the vaccine including BA.2.86.
“I encourage people to recognize the importance of making a plan to help protect their loved ones this season and to have conversations with their healthcare provider about available vaccine options.” Bennett said.
On Thursday, December 14, the CDC issued a health advisory warning that low vaccination rates for COVID coupled with ongoing increases in respiratory disease activity (COVID, flu and RSV) could lead to more severe disease and increased healthcare capacity strain in the coming weeks.
“It is very concerning. COVID-19-related hospitalizations have continued to rise in the U.S., according to the CDC. Experts have reiterated that, despite COVID-19 fatigue, our best line of defense to protect communities is to get vaccinated with the latest vaccines. Without vaccination, COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates may continue to rise, posing significant risks for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, immunocompromised and people with preexisting conditions that put them at risk.”
There has been a rise in COVID related hospitalizations as of early December within the U.S. as a whole, as well as in Genesee County as of early December
The latest data from the CDC shows that as of Dec. 9, 18.2% of American adults have received an updated COVID-19 vaccine. In Michigan, the adult vaccination rate hovers at 18%. Additionally, according to the latest CDC estimates, only 13.9% of non-Hispanic Black adults have received an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Bennett stressed the best line of defense is to get vaccinated with the latest vaccines.
“It’s critical that we educate communities about the different vaccine options available so that they can make the choice that’s best for themselves and their loved ones.
“Without vaccination, these rates may continue to rise, posing significant risks for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, immunocompromised and people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, COPD, and obesity that put them at higher risk of severe disease.
Without vaccination, these rates may continue to rise, posing significant risks for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, immunocompromised and people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, COPD, and obesity that put them at higher risk of severe disease.”
With cold weather and more time spent indoors in close proximity to others, the risk of respiratory virus infection increases. Bennett said this is also true of both flu and COVID-19.
The holiday season upon us and more time spent indoors in close proximity to others, the risk of respiratory virus infection increases. However, vaccination rates for COVID-19 during the 2023 immunization seasons have been lower than expected.
“The most important thing is to include vaccination in your plan before family gatherings, and to monitor yourself if you are experiencing any COVID-19 or flu symptoms. This immunization season, people have options for vaccination, including a non-mRNA protein-based vaccine. Developed by Novavax, using a well-established technology also used to develop other common vaccines, Novavax’s updated COVID vaccine provides an important option, allowing Americans to decide how best to protect themselves and their families, in consultation with their healthcare provider.”
Bennett pointed out that for those who are unvaccinated, elderly or immunocompromised, virtual gatherings are always a good option.
“Families and friends need to make the choice that’s best for them, in consultation with a healthcare provider”
Non-clinical data previously showed that Novavax’s updated COVID-19 vaccine induced functional immune responses for XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16 and XBB.2.3 variants, indicating a broad response that could potentially be applicable for forward-drift variants.
On October 3, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) of Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted to include the 2023-2024 formula.
The updated protein-based monovalent formulation includes the XBB.1.5 sublineage of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, saponin-based Matrix-M™ adjuvant technology enhances and prolong immune responses.
In the U.S., the Novavax vaccine is the only non-mRNA protein-based updated COVID-19 vaccine available, developed in line with guidance issued by the FDA.
In Flint, the updated Novavax COVID vaccine is available at Rite Aid and CVS pharmacies. Appointments are not needed.
