LVHN Prepared to Administer Novavax COVID-19 Vaccines to Eligible Populations

Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) will begin administering Novavax COVID-19 vaccines as another primary series option for people age 12 and older at the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic–MacArthur Road located in Whitehall beginning Friday, September 2. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) authorized Novavax in July.

Novavax is a two-dose primary series and is given at least three weeks apart but can be given up to eight weeks apart if necessary.

The Novavax vaccine uses a different type of technology than the mRNA vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. It uses a more traditional protein-based approach like other current vaccines used to prevent other illnesses.

The Novavax vaccine is not indicated for use as a booster and is only available for those who have not received a previous COVID-19 vaccine.

“Novavax is a great option for those who have not been vaccinated because of an allergy to an mRNA component in the other available vaccines or for those who have been waiting for a different option," says Alex Benjamin, MD, LVHN Chief Infection Control and Prevention Officer, Infectious Diseases. "Vaccines remain the best defense against complications from severe COVID-19 infection.”

Scheduling is encouraged and can be completed through MyLVHN, our patient portal, or by calling the COVID-19 vaccine hotline at 833-584-6283 (833-LVHN-CVD). The hotline is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. While appointments are recommended, walk-ins also are accepted at the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic-MacArthur Road location.