U.S. Grants Final Approval to Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine Amid Delays and New Restrictions
The U.S. has officially approved Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine Nuvaxovid, with new restrictions limiting its use to certain high-risk groups, following a delayed approval process.
In a significant development, U.S. health regulators have officially approved Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine, Nuvaxovid, after an unexpected delay. The approval comes with new restrictions on the vaccine's use, raising discussions within the medical community. Novavax sought full approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), having previously received emergency use authorization for individuals aged 12 and older. Unlike mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, Nuvaxovid employs different technology and had not yet achieved full approval.
The FDA initially aimed to finalize the approval process by April 1 but missed this deadline, stirring concerns about regulatory reforms under former President Donald Trump and his then-Health Secretary, which critics argue impacted the approval process. The newly approved vaccine is now authorized only for specific groups: those aged 65 and above, and individuals aged 12 to 64 with underlying health conditions such as obesity or asthma that increase COVID-19 risk.
These restrictions have prompted scrutiny, especially as vaccine skepticism remains a topic of debate. Notably, vaccine skeptics like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have criticized regulatory decisions and promoted misinformation about vaccines, including those administered to children. His influence and skepticism have gained attention amid recent measles outbreaks, prompting renewed conversations about vaccine governance.
While the approval marks an important milestone for Novavax, the limited authorization underscores ongoing debates over vaccine safety, regulation, and public health policies. The decision emphasizes targeted use of the vaccine, focusing on vulnerable populations, amid a complex landscape of COVID-19 vaccination efforts.
[Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-novavax-covid-jab-delay-restrictions.html]
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Understanding Brain Tumor Growth Patterns to Improve Patient Care Management
New developments in measuring the mechanical forces of brain tumors during surgery offer promising insights for personalized patient care and treatment response monitoring.
Impact of the No Surprises Act: Significant Reduction in Patients' Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses
A new study finds that the No Surprises Act enacted in 2022 has significantly lowered patients' out-of-pocket healthcare costs, saving nearly $600 annually per individual and reducing surprise billing among insured adults.
New Insights into Myeloid Immune Cells as Potential Targets for Liver Cancer Immunotherapy
Recent advances reveal how myeloid immune cells within pediatric liver tumors could open new pathways for immunotherapy treatments in childhood liver cancer.
Novel Use of Virtual Escape Rooms Enhances Anatomy Education for Medical Students
Discover how virtual escape rooms are revolutionizing anatomy education for medical students by promoting engagement, critical thinking, and collaborative learning through innovative gamification techniques.