Britain approves Novavax COVID vaccine

 UK, REUTERS 3 Feb2022-  Britain has approved Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine for use in those 18 years of age and older, the country’s medicines regulator said on Thursday, bringing a fifth coronavirus shot to its roster amidst the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.   

 The vaccine, Nuvaxovid, was approved as a first and second dose as it met the required safety, quality and effectiveness standards, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said https://www.gov.uk/government/news/novavax-covid-19-vaccine-nuvaxovid-approved-by-mhra in a statement. 

 
 The British approval for Nuvaxovid comes days after the drugmaker filed for U.S. authorization following months of struggles with development and manufacturing problems, and follows a German backing earlier in the day.   

 “We are continuing our vital safety work in monitoring the use of all COVID-19 vaccines, to ensure that their benefits in protecting people against COVID-19 disease continue to outweigh any risks,” MHRA Chief Executive June Raine said.