© REUTERS
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Our government bought half a million doses of the Novavax vaccine for those who had an allergic reaction to the mRNA vaccines or were afraid of the new method, but interest in the new vaccines is very low. Less than 1,000 shots were taken in one month.
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For those who were allergic to the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer or Moderna, our government decided to also purchase the vaccine from Novavax. But the approval of the EMA was delayed, which meant that the vaccines could be used later than expected. “We have been able to use the Novavax vaccines since March,” said Gudrun Briat, spokesperson for the vaccination task force. “But due to the current epidemiological situation, the winter being over and the reduced pressure to get vaccinated, the response is very low.”
In concrete terms, 500,000 Novavax vaccines were ordered. Of these, 423,000 were delivered at the beginning of March. But meanwhile, less than 1,000 doses have been used. 575 Belgians received a first shot with the Novavax vaccine. 281 also received a second dose and for 113 Novavax was used for a booster. This means that there are still more than 422,000 vaccines in stock.
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doubters
The government had also hoped that people who had doubts about the mRNA vaccines might see an option in the Novavax vaccine, which uses the more classic protein method. “And that is still possible. But in principle, people with a severe allergic reaction are especially suitable,” says Briat. “It is best to do this on the basis of a referral from a general practitioner. Also note that not all vaccination centers have Novavax in stock.”
The expiration date for the stock of Novavax vaccines is currently August 31, 2022. “But that term could be extended,” says Briat. “The pharmaceutical companies always take a very wide margin there to be careful. But afterwards they notice that that date can be extended. In September 2021, the EMA also approved an extension for the shelf life of the Pfizer vaccine.” As a result, those vaccines could still be used in a possible additional vaccination campaign in the autumn. “And otherwise there is also the Covax program.”
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