Henry County Public Health wants you to know that they have the recently approved Novavax COVID-19 vaccine as an option in addition to Moderna and Pfizer. Novavax is authorized for people 18 years and older and is a 2 dose primary series given 3-8 weeks apart. It is not currently authorized to be used as a booster. The main difference is that Novavax is not a mRNA vaccine like Moderna and Pfizer. Novavax uses protein subunit vaccine technology, similar to the Hepatitis B, HPV, and shingles vaccines. For those who were concerned about the mRNA vaccines being developed so quickly, the Novavax vaccine is a type of vaccine that has been widely used for decades. The Novavax vaccine also offers an option to people who may have an allergic reaction to mRNA vaccines.
“We continue to strongly urge everyone who is eligible and has not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19 to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Shelley Van Dorin, Public Health Director. “Anyone with questions about the vaccines should speak with their physician or give us a call and talk to one of our nurses.” Henry County Public Health is currently giving COVID-19 vaccines on Thursdays from 9-3:30 but that schedule may change in September. To view current clinic dates please visit HealthyHenryCounty.org/covid, call 319-385-0779, or follow Facebook.com/HealthyHenryCounty. There is no cost for any of the COVID-19 vaccines.