Following the recommendations of the High Council for Infectious Diseases (CSMI) issued on 23 February 2022, the Government Council of 25 February decided to extend the range of vaccines in order to include the new Nuvaxovid vaccine (Novavax).
The Nuvaxovid vaccine is based on a "traditional" technology: it is composed of protein subunits, following a principle that has been used for decades in the production of vaccines such as those against whooping cough, hepatitis B, or the Human papilloma virus (HPV).
Therapeutic indications and dosage
Nuvaxovid vaccine can be used for the COVID-19 vaccination of adults aged 18 years or older, according to a primary vaccination of 2 doses of 5 μg (0.5 ml), with an interval of 28 days.
In addition, it can be used:
- as a 3rd dose as part of a primary vaccination (with Nuvaxovid) for immunocompromised persons, persons receiving organ transplants and persons undergoing renal dialysis (CSMI recommendations of December 2021 and January 2022), according to a schedule at 0, 28 and 84 days (0, 4 and 12 weeks);
- as an extra dose (booster) after a single dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen, starting 28 days after vaccination with COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen;
- as a homologous booster dose for all persons receiving a full primary vaccination with Nuvaxovid, starting 3 months after the last dose;
- as a heterologous booster dose for anyone who has experienced medically significant side effects after primary vaccination with mRNA or viral vector vaccines
The use of Nuvaxovid vaccine is permitted as part of a heterologous ("mix-and-match") vaccine pattern, and in particular (CSMI recommendations of July 2021 and January 2022):
- in persons who have received a Vaxzevria vaccination, including persons who, following a 1st dose of Vaxzevria vaccine, have developed a deep thromboembolic syndrome with thrombocytopenia;
- in individuals who have experienced myocarditis or pericarditis or other serious side effects following a first dose of mRNA vaccine;
- in the event of SARS-CoV-2 infection within 6 months prior to vaccination, or in the event of intercurrent infection, the administration of Nuvaxovid follows a schedule similar to the schedule recommended by the CSMI in January 2022 for mRNA vaccines.
In the absence of data on the safety of this vaccine in pregnant women, the CSMI recommends using an mRNA vaccine for primary and booster vaccination in pregnant women.
Booking an appointment
Novavax vaccine will initially only be administered at vaccination centres.
Any resident or non-resident with a Luxembourg social security number ("Matricule") and aged 18 and over can be vaccinated with the Novavax vaccine for the primary vaccination, with or without an appointment, in one of the 3 vaccination centres (LuxExpo provisional, Ettelbruck and Esch-Belval).
The administration of booster doses at the LuxExpo (provisional), Ettelbruck and Esch-Belval vaccination centres is only possible by appointment.
Persons who wish to receive Novavax as a primary vaccination or as a booster dose must inform the vaccination centre.
Vaccination with Novavax will start on 1 March at 12 noon.
Press release by the Ministry of Health / Ministry of State