Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) began administering Novavax COVID-19 vaccines as another primary series option for adults over the age of 18 at the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic - MacArthur Road, Whitehall Township, Sept. 2.

The Food and Drug Administration 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 vaccines used to prevent 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,” said Alex Benjamin, MD, LVHN Chief Infection Control and Prevention Officer, Infectious Diseases.

“Vaccines remain the best defense against complications from severe COVID-19 infection,” Dr. Benjamin said.

Scheduling is encouraged and can be completed through MyLVHN, or the COVID-19 vaccine hotline, 833-584-6283 (833-LVHN-CVD). The hotline is open 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

While appointments are recommended, walk-ins are accepted at the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic-MacArthur Road location.

Information on vaccines and clinics: LVHN.org/vaccines

Information on third vaccine shots or boosters: LVHN.org/booster