The updated COVID-19 vaccine from the vaccine manufacturer Novavax (Nuvaxovid) will also be available in Austria from mid-December at the latest. The first delivery arrived in Austria this week, according to the Ministry of Health. Renewal is still recommended now.
Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine adapted to the JN.1 variants was approved in the EU on 8 October. However,the approval authority did not release batches for the vaccines until the end of November,according to a ministry spokesperson. An alternative to the mRNA vaccine The vaccine will also be available by mid-December at the latest – and,as usual,free of charge. charge by doctors in private practice and in public vaccination centers in the federal states.More information on the vaccination offers can be found at www.impfen.gv.at. The Ministry of Health saeid that the adapted vaccine from Novavax offers an alternative to the mRNA vaccine available from BioNTech/Pfizer, and that their effectiveness is “almost the same”. It has been proven that this continues to reduce the risk of a serious course of the disease. The ministry also referred to the potential gatherings of larger groups of people indoors in the coming weeks and an increase in travel activity over the holidays, which increases the risk of infection. Administering both vaccinations simultaneously is medically possible and ”perfectly sensible”. makes sense now. Monitoring of waste water has reduced the number of covid infections significantly in recent weeks. Previously,the virus load had been rising continuously since around June,it remained at a relatively high level and reached a temporary peak in october,since then a decrease has been recorded again,however,probably the tank has passed the latest data showed an increase again. “There is a fairly clear picture across several federal states that things are starting to improve again,” Elling said when asked by the APA. the molecular biologist also referred to the so-called R value (reproduction number), which makes it possible to draw conclusions about the distribution. This value has increased again as the autumn holidays. The trend was expected to reverse again “after the fall holidays and the start of the really cold season,” Elling said. He now believes that the number of cases will probably increase by Christmas, then there will probably be a break during the holidays and then there could be a further increase in January which certainly makes sense.” That doesn’t apply to people who have been waiting for the Novavax protein vaccine, but to everyone who hasn’t had a booster or infection in a year. Elling also emphasized that the vaccines also work against the new subvariants: “The variable that is going on right now is not relevant to the vaccination.” The booster is especially useful for risk groups and the elderly, but also afterwards. Elling also emphasized the risk of prolonged or post-Covid, which can at least be reduced by vaccination. However, due to the very insufficient data situation, this can only be assessed to a limited extent, especially in Austria, he stressed. However, based on international data, it can be concluded that the new XEC variant (recombinant of the two omicron lineages KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, note) is increasing. This is also replacing the latest international KP.3.1.1 dominant version. (also known as JN.1+deFLuQE). Though, the increase in XEC is happening relatively slowly, says Elling.More possible infections Due to the fact that many people have not been in contact wiht the virus for a long time or had a vaccination (booster dose) a long time ago, they are. Infections are no longer protected, so there is now the possibility of a further increase in the number of infections. The wave started earlier in the summer than in 2023 and was at a relatively high level during the summer. Though,the number of cases in the fall and winter so far has been lower than in the same period last year,Elling said — so there is now more potential for infections that Elling believes vaccination protects against. Covid and flu right at this point in time: Because there is the possibility of both waves at the same time.
How does the availability of free COVID-19 vaccines in Austria impact public health and vaccination rates?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Laura Fischer, Infectious Disease Expert
time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr.Fischer! We appreciate you joining us today to discuss the recent updates on COVID-19 vaccines in Austria, particularly Novavax’s Nuvaxovid. It seems there are some exciting developments. Can you explain the meaning of the updated vaccine that is now arriving in Austria?
Dr.Laura Fischer: Thank you for having me! Yes, the introduction of the updated Novavax vaccine is indeed significant. With the emergence of new variants like JN.1, it’s crucial that our vaccines are adapted to effectively target these strains. The approval by the EU on October 8th and the subsequent delivery to Austria illustrates our ongoing commitment to staying ahead of the virus.
Time.news Editor: Definitely, and it’s notable that while mRNA vaccines have dominated the market, Novavax is offering an option. Can you elaborate on how Novavax differs from mRNA vaccines, and why some may prefer it?
Dr. Laura Fischer: Absolutely! Novavax’s Nuvaxovid uses a protein subunit approach, which means it includes harmless pieces of the virus’s spike protein to stimulate an immune response. This contrasts with mRNA vaccines that use genetic material to instruct our cells to produce a piece of the spike protein. Some individuals may prefer Novavax due to concerns related to the mRNA technology, or simply out of personal preference for a more traditional vaccine platform that has been used for other vaccines for decades.
Time.news Editor: That makes sense! with the vaccine now available free of charge through doctors and public health channels, how significant is accessibility in the ongoing vaccination campaign?
Dr. Laura Fischer: Accessibility is absolutely critical. Providing vaccines at no cost ensures that everyone, nonetheless of socioeconomic status, can receive protection against COVID-19. This is essential not only for individual health but also for achieving broader herd immunity in the community.
Time.news Editor: The Austrian Ministry of Health has stated that renewal is still recommended. Could you explain what “renewal” refers to in the context of vaccination?
Dr. Laura Fischer: Certainly! ”Renewal” refers to the booster shots or additional doses that are recommended to maintain immunity, especially as the virus evolves.As variants emerge, it’s important to keep up-to-date with vaccinations to bolster individual and public health defenses against severe illness.
Time.news Editor: With these updates in mind, how can people stay informed about emerging variants and vaccination options moving forward?
Dr. Laura Fischer: Staying informed is crucial! I recommend following reputable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and local health ministries. They provide the latest updates on variants, vaccination recommendations, and public health measures. Additionally, local healthcare providers can offer personalized advice and resources.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Fischer, for your insights and clarity on this critically important subject. Any final thoughts for our readers as they consider their vaccination options?
Dr. laura Fischer: Just to remind everyone: vaccines are one of our most powerful tools in combating COVID-19. I encourage everyone to consult with their healthcare provider to discuss their vaccination status and options, and to get vaccinated or boosted at the earliest opportunity. Together, we can definitely help mitigate the impact of the virus in our communities.
Time.news Editor: Wise words, Dr. Fischer. Thank you for your time and expertise today!