People in the UK and Ireland deserve Novavax!
Our guest co-writer by San Alland helped write this piece. They have been advocating for Novavax in UK, you can find them at @San_Alland on Twitter (X) and Instagram.
Novavax Updates
The European Commission approved the Novavax JN.1 COVID vaccine for use in Europe on 9 October, 2024. However, MHRA (Medicines and Health Care products Regulatory Agency) has not yet approved Novavax JN.1 for use in the UK, nor provided any updates. This means that Ireland can supply Novavax JN.1 (although many people in Ireland are still waiting for the vaccines to become available), but UK countries cannot.
To confuse matters, private pharmacies in the UK told customers that they received a three-line communication from Novavax last week. It mentioned 'supply issues', and stated JN.1 vaccines would not arrive this year. There was no further information, so it's unclear if the supply issues only affect the UK or also affect Europe (and therefore Ireland).
Why Novavax?
Novavax is a protein-based vaccine, which means people getting the vaccine receive a protein made by the virus that their immune system then identifies as dangerous and responds to. Pfizer and Moderna are mRNA vaccines, which instead include snippets of mRNA genetic material from the COVID-19 virus’ spike protein. Some people do not tolerate mRNA vaccines.
A lack of updated Novavax means there are no options for people in the UK (and possibly Ireland) who cannot have mRNA vaccines, as well as those who want cheaper and reportedly longer-lasting protection. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine in UK recently said “the government's winter planning is not doing enough to support A&E departments as they approach their busiest time of year”, which indicates there are no plans for infection prevention and there aren’t any plans in getting as many people vaccinated as possible.
It seems only mRNA COVID vaccines are currently being offered on the NHS, and the qualifying list is shorter and confusing. Currently this includes those over 65 (this changes to over 75s in the spring), pregnant people, frontline health and social care workers (this often disappears in the spring), and people with certain conditions or taking certain medications. Qualifications also vary across the UK.
People in rural areas tend to have no local private options, so they have to put themselves at risk – and spend further money – to travel to get vaccinated.
Pfizer and Moderna (both mRNA), are pretty much the only COVID vaccines available in the UK privately as well – even though many people can't tolerate them. Some studies state Novavax also lasts longer, and is handling KP.2 and KP.3 strains. Many people report fewer side effects with Novavax.
We would also want the private vaccine supply to include Novavax because £50 (the current price) is cheaper than the Pfizer/Moderna price of £75 (which has gone up to £80 at some UK pharmacies). This is especially relevant for those with low income.
Scotland information
Qualifying circumstances for free COVID mRNA vaccines in Scotland are listed online. Specific qualifying medical conditions in Scotland tend to be similar to those in England.
Private pharmacists in Glasgow stated they weren't sure if any forthcoming Novavax JN.1 would still be £250 for 5 vaccines (with people penalised if they go alone) or single vaccines for an unknown price. Pfizer and Moderna are £75-£80 for one vaccine.
Amiry & Gilbride in Glasgow is still offering the previous strain of Novavax (XBB.1.5) for £200 per vial to groups of five (£40 per vaccine); these expire in December 2024. It might be worthwhile for those in the UK and Ireland who can't tolerate or afford mRNA to ask their local pharmacies if they have stock, though we can't advise on the usefulness of an outdated vaccine strain.
In Scotland, carers still qualify for free flu shots, but no longer qualify for free COVID vaccines. The over-50 qualification for flu was changed to over-65. The full list of qualifcations for flu in Scotland includes prisoners, asylum-seekers in hotels, those experiencing homelessness, poultry workers and more.
Conclusion
Novavax needs to be administered in the UK and Ireland so that those who cannot have or afford the available vaccines can protect themselves from being hospitalised from COVID. Please note that even though we are advocating for vaccines, we believe clean air, masking and other protections are imperative for protecting our community from infection.
We are hoping to raise money for those who want to get a vaccine but haven’t been offered one from the NHS. This will include mRNA (Pfizer/Moderna) and Novavax if possible. We only have each other, as the government, the NHS and many other institutions as per usual refuse to protect the general public. Therefore it’s our responsibility to do it for each other.
Please consider donating to our fund as we’re very close to our first goal of £500 before we open the forms publicly.