[A summarized unofficial version of the press release]

Administration of Novavax’s updated COVID-19 Vaccine began in Korea on December 18

- Novavax’s updated vaccine is administered for eligible individuals aged 12 and older, in line with the recommendation the regulatory authority issued.

- The updated vaccine is seen as a valuable alternative for people aged 65 and older who can't or don't want to take mRNA vaccines, as it is based on a more traditional recombinant protein-based technology.

Osong, 28^th December 2023 –  Novavax’s latest COVID-19 vaccine, which is based on a recombinant protein-based technology to protect against XBB variants, is available in Korea starting from December 18, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).

The updated vaccine is for use in people aged 12 and older including high-risk groups. From December 18, the eligible individuals can get free vaccination with Novavax’s latest vaccine at vaccination walk-in sites without an appointment. They can also book an appointment through the COVID-19 vaccination portal website (ncvr.kdca.go.kr) starting from the same day. The designated vaccination sites and public health centers offer the vaccination service, and further information on vaccine locations is provided at the COVID-19 vaccination website (ncv.kdca.go.kr).

The rollout of Novavax’s updated shot means Koreans now have additional options of COVID-19 vaccines. Novavax has used a recombinant protein-based technology that has been widely used in routine vaccinations against hepatitis B, cervical cancer, and among others. Its updated vaccine generates immune response against XBB variants, which is the same ones targeted by the latest mRNA vaccines.   

The KDCA advised that high-risk groups such as those who reside in facilities vulnerable to the infection get Novavax’s updated vaccine amid various respiratory infectious diseases spreading nationwide. In addition, to protect school-aged children and infants from the infection, vaccination is highly recommended for those who are often in close contact with them.

KDCA commissioner Youngmee Jee said, “We should not let our guard down given the fact that respiratory infectious diseases including Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection are still prevalent in Korea and the weekly number of COVID-19 cases remains at a 6,000 level since the second week of November.”

“Even for those who have a history of COVID-19 infection, the vaccination can lower the risk of hospitalization and death. For this reason, I would like request that eligible people get the updated vaccine prior to resurgence of COVID-19,” she added.

* For detailed information, please refer to the press release written in the Korean language in the file attached below.