Currently, according to the CDC, there are three main types of COVID-19 vaccines that are approved or authorized for use in the United States: mRNA, viral vector, and protein subunit. Each type of vaccine prompts our bodies to recognize and help protect us from the virus that causes COVID-19.
None of these vaccines can give you COVID-19.
•Vaccines do not use any live virus.
•Vaccines cannot cause infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 or other viruses.
They do not affect or interact with our DNA.
•These vaccines do not enter the nucleus of the cell where our DNA (genetic material) is located, so it cannot change or influence our genes.
One of the newest on the market is Novavax. Novavax is a protein subunit vaccine the contains pieces of the virus that causes COVID-19 which helps your body’s immune system respond to an actual virus. These types of vaccine have been around for years, such as in the Hepatitis B and whooping cough vaccines.
For COVID-19 Novavax is used as a two doses primary vaccine. However, the Waushara County Health Department has now been authorized by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to use as a booster.
The reasons to use Novavax as a booster are:
•An allergy to any component of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines
•A severe reaction to the mRNA vaccine
•A person is unwilling to receive the mRNA vaccines
To use Novavax as a booster you must:
•Have completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series
•Have waited at least 6 months from your last dose of a primary series
•Have not had any other booster doses
The Waushara County Health Department now has Novavax available for both the primary two dose series for COVID-19 and as a booster. Call soon to make an appointment if you would like Novavax. Call 920-787-6590 for an appointment or further information.
