The Hawai‘i Department of Health announced that the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine will be available throughout the state.

Novavax is a two-dose primary series vaccine for individuals 18 and older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends administering the second dose three to eight weeks after the first.

It is a protein subunit vaccine and includes harmless proteins of the COVID-19 virus that trigger an immune response.  Protein subunit vaccines, which include vaccines for hepatitis B, whooping cough, shingles, and other diseases, have been used in the United States for more than 30 years.

“Novavax gives us another way to protect ourselves from COVID-19. Its arrival is great news for people who are allergic to an ingredient in the mRNA vaccines manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna or those who, for whatever reason, have been reluctant to be vaccinated,” said State Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP in a press release.

Locations offering the Novavax vaccines include 5 Minute Pharmacy on O‘ahu and the Safeway Pharmacy in Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island.  Scheduling information for these locations can be accessed at hawaiicovid19.com.

Beginning August 15, Kaiser Permanente will be offering Novavax in all counties to members and non-members.  Appointments can be made by calling 808-432-2000.