THE UK has now got a fifth Covid vaccine to add to the virus fighting arsenal.
Novavax is now approved to be used in the country after successful trials – with 60million doses ordered.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “It is great to see our world renowned medicines regulator approve another Covid-19 vaccine.
“I want the UK to be the best place in the world to conduct clinical trials.
“It’s a testament to the country’s first-rate research and development capabilities for vaccines – with tens of thousands of people taking part in clinical trials here in the UK, contributing to the invaluable research that shows our vaccines are safe and effective.
“The next step will be for the independent Joint Committee on Immunisation and Vaccination to consider its use as part of the UK Covid-19 vaccination programme.”
Trials last year showed it is 96 per cent effective at preventing cases caused by the original Covid.
Novavax is different to other vaccines being rolled out in the UK, as it uses older protein-based technology.
This is how older vaccines, like those used to prevent illnesses like Hepatitis B, are made.
Dr June Raine, MHRA Chief Executive, said: “Our approval of Nuvaxovid today follows a rigorous review of the safety, quality and effectiveness of this vaccine, and expert advice from the government’s independent scientific advisory body, the Commission on Human Medicines.
“I am pleased to confirm today that this authorisation has been granted, providing access to a fifth vaccine that can be used to help protect us from Covid-19.”
Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed, Chair of the Independent Commission on Human Medicines, said: “The independent Commission on Human Medicines and its Covid-19 Expert Working Group has carefully considered the available evidence on safety, quality and effectiveness.
“We are pleased to say that we have advised that the benefit risk balance of Nuvaxovid is positive.”
