About NUVAXOVID™ COVID-19 Vaccine and How it Works

On this page, you will learn:

That NUVAXOVID is a protein-based, recombinant, adjuvanted vaccine¹
How NUVAXOVID is different from mRNA COVID-19 vaccines
That NUVAXOVID can be offered as a single-dose vaccination or a seasonal dose at least 2 months following any prior COVID-19 vaccine^1,2

Watch this video to learn about NUVAXOVID technology

What makes NUVAXOVID different?

Protein-based^1,3

NUVAXOVID directly provides the protein needed for antibody production.

Recombinant^1,3,4

Elicits an immune response to a recombinant spike (rS) protein, developed using technology already present in certain flu vaccines.

Adjuvanted^1,3,5

The naturally derived adjuvant provides a robust and enhanced immune response.

How is NUVAXOVID different from mRNA COVID-19 vaccines?

How NUVAXOVID Builds Immunity³:

Spike proteins contained in the vaccine are recognized by the immune system

Immune system produces antibodies and activates other immune cells

How mRNA Vaccines Build Immunity³:

mRNA uses cells’ machinery to make the spike protein

Cells display spike protein antigens on their surface, where they are recognized by the immune system

Immune system produces antibodies and activates other immune cells

Recommend coadministration of NUVAXOVID to eligible patients with their seasonal flu shot.⁶

Who is NUVAXOVID for?

NUVAXOVID is indicated for adults aged 65+ AND for individuals aged 12-64 who have at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19.¹

You can offer NUVAXOVID as:

A single-dose vaccination¹

Calendar icon showing a duration of 2 months

A seasonal dose at least 2 months following any prior COVID-19 vaccine^1,2

You can offer NUVAXOVID to your eligible patients regardless of the previous COVID-19 vaccines they have received.¹

For patients 65 and older and patients who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, ACIP recommends an additional dose 2 to 6 months later.^1,7

Compared to flu vaccinations, half as many adults received the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine⁸

Could offering protein-based NUVAXOVID make a difference for your patients?

You can easily order NUVAXOVID for your practice today!

Order NUVAXOVID

See how the efficacy of NUVAXOVID could help protect your patients.

Discover Efficacy Data

INDICATION

NUVAXOVID is a vaccine indicated for active immunization to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). NUVAXOVID is approved for use in individuals who are:

65 years of age and older, or
12 years through 64 years of age with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATION
Do not administer NUVAXOVID to individuals with a known history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of NUVAXOVID or to individuals who had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) following a previous dose of NUVAXOVID

MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE ALLERGIC REACTIONS
Appropriate medical treatment must be immediately available to manage potential anaphylactic reactions following administration of NUVAXOVID

MYOCARDITIS AND PERICARDITIS
Clinical trials data provide evidence for increased risks of myocarditis and pericarditis following administration of NUVAXOVID. There have been post-marketing reports of myocarditis and pericarditis following administration of NUVAXOVID

SYNCOPE
Syncope (fainting) may occur in association with administration of injectable vaccines, including NUVAXOVID. Procedures should be in place to avoid injury from fainting

ALTERED IMMUNOCOMPETENCE
Immunocompromised persons, including individuals receiving immunosuppressive therapy, may have a diminished immune response to NUVAXOVID

NUVAXOVID may not protect all vaccine recipients

COMMON ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most commonly reported (>10%) solicited adverse reactions included: injection site pain/tenderness, fatigue/malaise, muscle pain, headache, nausea/vomiting, fever, and joint pain

Learn more about Sanofi’s commitment to fighting counterfeit drugs.

INDICATION

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

References

1. NUVAXOVID. Prescribing Information. Novavax, Inc; 2025. 2. Panagiotakopoulos L, Moulia DL, Godfrey M, et al. Use of COVID-19 vaccines for persons aged ≥6 months: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, 2024-2025. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2024 Sep 19;73(37):819-824. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7337e2 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Understanding how COVID-19 vaccines work. May 2023. Accessed July 14, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html 4. Cid R, Bolívar J. Platforms for production of protein-based vaccines: from classical to next-generation strategies. Biomolecules. 2021;11(8):1072. doi:10.3390/biom11081072 5. Bengtsson KL, Song H, Stertman L, et al. Matrix-M adjuvant enhances antibody, cellular and protective immune responses of a Zaire Ebola/Makona virus glycoprotein (GP) nanoparticle vaccine in mice. Vaccine. 2016;34(16):1927-1935. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.02.033 6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Getting a flu vaccine and other recommended vaccines at the same time. September 2024. Accessed February 1, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/coadministration.html 7. Roper LE, Godfrey M, Link-Gelles R, et al. Use of additional doses of 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine for adults aged ≥65 years and persons aged ≥6 months with moderate or severe immunocompromise: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, 2024. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2024 Dec 12;73(49):1118-1123. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7349a2 8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccination trends. March 2025. Accessed March 19, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/data/vaccination-trends.html

NUVAXOVID is the Only Protein-Based, non-mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine1,2

Watch this video to learn about NUVAXOVID technology

What makes NUVAXOVID different?

Protein-based1,3

Recombinant1,3,4

Adjuvanted1,3,5

How is NUVAXOVID different from mRNA COVID-19 vaccines?

How NUVAXOVID Builds Immunity3:

How mRNA Vaccines Build Immunity3:

Recommend coadministration of NUVAXOVID to eligible patients with their seasonal flu shot.6