Novavax’s new COVID-19 vaccine received long-awaited approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday, but with specific restrictions.
The shot is the country’s only traditional protein-based vaccine for coronavirus, and previously, it only had emergency authorization from the FDA for use in those aged 12 and older.
Late on May 16, the FDA gave the company full approval to use the vaccine on adults 65 years or older. For anyone between the ages of 12 and 64, they must have at least one underlying health issue that would put them at risk if infected with COVID-19.
The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines developed by Novavax competitors Moderna and Pfizer are licensed without restrictions for anyone 12 years or older, and are also approved for use—with some restrictions—in children as young as six months….