Novavax vaccine could cause allergic reactions

According to the latest opinion from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the Nuvaxovid vaccine (one of the vaccines against Covid-19) from Novavax laboratories could cause anaphylaxis, i.e. serious allergic reactions. Symptoms such as unusual sensation or decreased skin sensitivity will be noted by the EMA as possible side effects of Nuvaxovid. The agency recommends “close monitoring for at least 15 minutes after vaccination. A second dose of the vaccine should not be given to people who have had an anaphylactic reaction to the first dose of Nuvaxovid. In the United States, where it was authorized for sale last Wednesday, the vaccine’s label will include information and a warning for people with a history of allergies to its components.

The American pharmaceutical group has opted for a more traditional technique than messenger RNA to make its vaccine, which makes it similar to certain vaccines against hepatitis B, pertussis or influenza. According to the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention, only 250,000 doses have been distributed since its launch in December in Europe.

In France, the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) authorized Nuvaxovid to enter the market in January 2022. Its distribution focuses in particular on the overseas departments and regions. According to data from Health Insurance, the vaccination rate is 0.1% in Martinique, Reunion, Guyana and Guadeloupe, and 0% in France.