Nuvaxovid

Pronunciation: Noo-VAX-o-vid
Generic name: COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted [ 2025-2026 Formula ]
Other brand names of COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted include: Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted
Dosage form: suspension for intramuscular injection (0.5 mL)
Drug class: Viral vaccines

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Sep 19, 2025.

What is Nuvaxovid? COVID-19 Vaccine

Nuvaxovid 2025-2026 formula is a protein-based COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Novavax designed to protect against COVID-19 disease caused by currently circulating JN.1 lineage strains of SARS-CoV-2, including NB.1.8.1, LP.8.1, XFG, XFC, LF.7, and XEC.

Unlike mRNA vaccines, Nuvaxovid contains a recombinant spike protein combined with Matrix-M adjuvant to enhance the immune response.

As of July 2025, the vast majority of COVID-19 infections globally are caused by variants within the JN.1 strain.

Key Facts About Nuvaxovid

• Protein subunit technology: Contains purified spike protein rather than mRNA
• Matrix-M adjuvant: Contains saponins from soapbark tree to boost immunity
• No live virus: Cannot cause COVID-19
• 2025-2026 formula: Updated for current circulating variants.

Nuvaxovid Uses

Nuvaxovid is FDA-approved for COVID-19 prevention in people who are:

• 65 years of age and older
• 12 through 64 years of age at high risk for severe COVID-19.

High-Risk Conditions Include:

• Chronic respiratory diseases (asthma, COPD)
• Heart disease and cardiovascular conditions
• Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic liver disease
• Immunocompromised conditions
• Obesity (BMI ≥30)
• Cancer or history of cancer
• Neurologic conditions
• Pregnancy.

Note: In the U.S., some states may have differing rules on vaccinations, particularly if you live in the West. If you are unsure of your vaccination eligibility, check with your local healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Important: Vaccination with Nuvaxovid may not protect all individuals who receive the vaccine. This vaccine does not contain SARS-CoV-2 and cannot give you COVID-19.

Update: ACIP Meeting September 19, 2025:

Key COVID-19 vaccination decisions made, awaiting CDC director approval (typically accepted).

• No Prescription Required: The ACIP voted 6-6 against requiring prescriptions for COVID-19 vaccines, with the chair casting a dissenting vote. Members argued that prescriptions create barriers for underinsured populations at the highest risk.
• Updated Recommendations: Unanimous approval for individual decision-making approach. Adults 65 and older, as well as individuals aged 6 months to 64 years, use shared clinical decision-making, emphasizing a higher benefit for those with increased severe COVID-19 risk factors.

How Nuvaxovid Works

Nuvaxovid works differently from mRNA COVID-19 vaccines by using a protein subunit approach.

• Nuvaxovid contains a laboratory-made copy of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein produced using genetically modified insect cells (Sf9 cells from fall armyworms).
• This purified spike protein is combined with Matrix-M adjuvant, an immune-boosting ingredient derived from saponins found in the soapbark tree.
• When injected, your immune system recognizes the spike protein as foreign and creates antibodies to it, which activate immune cells to fight it.
• The adjuvant enhances this immune response, making it stronger and longer-lasting.
• This trains your immune system to recognize and defend against the SARS-CoV-2 virus if you're exposed to it, providing protection against COVID-19.

Nuvaxovid side effects

Common side effects

Injection site reactions:

• Pain and tenderness
• Swelling and redness
• Itching

Systemic reactions:

• Fatigue or feeling unwell
• Muscle pain (myalgia)
• Headache
• Joint pain (arthralgia)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Swollen lymph nodes.

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

Serious Allergic Reactions

Rarely, severe allergic reactions may occur within minutes to 1 hour after vaccination with Nuvaxovid. For this reason, your vaccination provider may ask you to stay for a short time at the place where you received your vaccine. Symptoms include:

• Trouble breathing
• Swelling of your face and throat
• A fast heartbeat
• A rash all over your body
• Dizziness and weakness.

Heart Inflammation (Myocarditis/Pericarditis)

Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart) have occurred in some people who have received Nuvaxovid or Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted. The chance of having this occur is very low. You should seek medical attention right away if you or your child have any of the following symptoms after receiving the vaccine:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart

Timing: Usually occurs within two weeks of vaccination.

Other Side Effects

Side effects that have been reported in post-authorization use with Nuvaxovid include:

• Paresthesia (tingling or crawling skin sensation)
• Hypoesthesia (decreased skin sensitivity)
• Severe allergic reactions.

These may not be all the possible side effects of Nuvaxovid. Ask your healthcare provider about any side effects that concern you. Report vaccine side effects to VAERS at 1-800-822-7967 or https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html, or to Novavax at www.Nuvaxovid.com or 1-844-NOVAVAX.

Related/similar drugs

Before Receiving Nuvaxovid

Do Not Get Nuvaxovid if You:

• Have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous Nuvaxovid or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine
• Are allergic to any of the vaccine ingredients.

Tell Your Healthcare Provider if You:

• Have any allergies
• Had a severe allergic reaction after receiving a previous dose of any COVID-19 vaccine
• Have a history of heart inflammation 
• Have a fever or have recently had a COVID-19 infection
• Have received other COVID-19 vaccines, especially if recently
• Have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners
• Are immunocompromised or taking medications that affect your immune system
• Have a history of fainting with injections 
• Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Pregnancy: Discuss vaccination options with your healthcare provider. Limited safety data available during pregnancy.

Pregnancy registry: There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to NUVAXOVID during pregnancy. Women vaccinated during pregnancy should enroll at https://c-viper.pregistry.com/

Breastfeeding: Consult a healthcare provider about the benefits versus the risks of breastfeeding after having the Nuvaxovid vaccine.

How is Nuvaxovid Administered?

Nuvaxovid is given as an intramuscular injection, usually into the deltoid muscle of your upper arm.

• Single dose administration.
• Your healthcare provider will monitor you for allergic reactions post-vaccination and ask you to stay a short time.

Timing:

• For individuals previously vaccinated with any COVID-19 vaccine, Nuvaxovid should be administered at least 2 months after the last dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
• May be given with other routine vaccines.

Nuvaxovid Dosing Information

Standard dose:

• One injection per eligible individual

Age requirements:

• 65 years and older: All individuals are eligible
• 12-64 years: Only those at high risk for severe COVID-19.

What Other Drugs Will Affect Nuvaxovid?

Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Tell your healthcare provider if you take:

• a blood thinner, such as warfarin
• a medicine that affects your immune system, such as cyclosporine.

Also, tell your healthcare provider if you have received any other COVID-19 vaccines.

There is limited drug interaction data available. Discuss all medications with your healthcare provider.

Nuvaxovid Ingredients

Active Ingredients:

• Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein - Produced from baculovirus-infected Sf9 insect cells.
• Matrix-M adjuvant - Contains saponins from soapbark tree (Quillaja saponaria Molina).

Inactive ingredients:

• Cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine
• Potassium and sodium phosphate salts
• potassium dihydrogen phosphate
• potassium chloride
• disodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate
• sodium chloride
• disodium hydrogen phosphate heptahydrate
• sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate 46
• polysorbate 80

May contain trace amounts of baculovirus and insect cell proteins, baculovirus and cellular DNA, lentil lectin, methyl-α-D-mannopyranoside, simethicone, pluronic F-68, Triton X-100, Tergitol, and DL-α-tocopherol.

Novaxovid does not contain preservatives.

Who makes Nuvaxovid?

Nuvaxovid is made for Novavax, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD 20878.

Frequently asked questions

How does Nuvaxovid differ from mRNA vaccines?

Nuvaxovid contains purified spike protein with adjuvant, while mRNA vaccines instruct cells to make the protein.

Can I get Nuvaxovid if I'm not high-risk?

Nuvaxovid is only approved for people 65+ or those 12-64 with high-risk conditions.

How effective is Nuvaxovid?

Clinical trials show good efficacy, but individual protection may vary.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer