WHO lists 10th Covid vaccine for emergency use

The new vaccine was developed by Novavax and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and is the originator product for the Covovax vaccine that received WHO emergency use listing on 17 December.

Both vaccines are made using the same technologies. They require two doses and are stable at two to eight degrees Celsius refrigerated temperatures. WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization has also issued policy recommendations for Nuvaxovid / Covovax.

The emergency use listing procedure assesses the suitability of novel health products during public health emergencies. The objective is to make medicines, vaccines and diagnostics available as rapidly as possible to address the emergency while adhering to stringent criteria of safety, efficacy and quality. The assessment weighs the threat posed by the emergency as well as the benefit that would accrue from the use of the product against any potential risks.

Meanwhile, the Independent Allocation of Vaccines Group has issued a set of recommendations to make the allocation of Covid-19 vaccines more equitable and more effective.