Why are people waiting for Novavax?

smileedude · 2021-12-22T00:01:53+00:00

They aren't. They are the same people who were waiting for Pfizer, then Moderna. When Novavax comes out, they'll be waiting for which ever vaccine isn't available.

It's just another coping mechanism so they don't have to admit to their fear of needles.

MeepTMW · 2021-12-22T00:03:21+00:00

Novavax is a subunit vaccine, which is a technology that has been used in many previous vaccines, so those who are technology-skeptical may consider it 'safer' (although immunologists already consider all the other vaccines just as safe). That being said as well - AstraZeneca's vaccine technology was used previously and successfuly against Ebolavirus.

That is the justification I have mostly heard from people - however I am not sure whether that was simply a scapegoat or not. Some of my friends have moved their positions and are now citing concerns about Novavax now that it is closer on the horizon.

jteprev · 2021-12-22T00:02:48+00:00

I am not convinced any significant number of people actually are waiting for it, just seeking an excuse to not vaccinate. I suspect the vast majority who claim this will not get it when it becomes available.

I knew someone like this about AZ who was "waiting for Pfizer because of clots". Never got either.

vegetable__lasagne · 2021-12-22T00:27:26+00:00

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WeirdUncleScabby · 2021-12-22T00:39:52+00:00

My partner has underlying autoimmune issues and was concerned about mRNA vaccines because years of pre-covid studies of them showed their potential to trigger or flare up autoimmune disorders.

She got Pfizer anyway because the covid risk was greater, and she ended up developing two autoimmune-related adverse reactions that took months to clear up and were disruptive to her day-to-day life. (If she hadn't been able to work from home and had a job that required her to go in, she would have been really fucked because of it.)

Understandably, she is currently putting off getting an mRNA booster because there is no data about people in her situation (autoimmune issues, lengthy adverse reactions) and all any doctor can say is "I don't know what to tell you to do" because they don't want to be responsible if she gets a third Pfizer and ends up with an even worse reaction.

Two doses are still highly protective against serious illness, which was the main purpose of them, and she's taking extra precautions (not eating at restaurants, etc.) until more studies come in about people in her situation. But ideally, it would be great if there were an approved non-mRNA option using more traditional technology (like Novavax) because the mRNA vaccine is the only one she's had this kind of experience with.

Based on my contact with wholly unvaccinated people saying they're waiting for Novavax, I think a lot of them just don't want to get vaccinated at all and will move the goal posts again if Novavax ends up not being vaporware, but there are definitely both unvaccinated and vaccinated people with legitimate medical concerns about mRNA vaccines and there really do need to be alternatives because not every type of vaccine is right for everyone.

Along with the fetal cell thing, I learned yesterday that my evangelical aunt (a retired nurse) and uncle are refusing to get vaccinated because of that, but knowing that religious and political mindset (they're Trump supporters), I think they'd keep finding reasons to not get vaccinated no matter the vaccine.

dontletmedaytrade · 2021-12-22T00:22:15+00:00

I’ll get downvoted just for providing you with answer but here we go...

I wanted to wait for it. In the end, I chose AZ because I don’t like the mRNA technology. It’s not the mRNA itself, but the lipid nano particles used to get into the cell. These are meant to stay at the injection site but aren’t. They accumulate in the body and early investigations into mRNA as a cancer treatment showed that they become dangerous with repeated doses. It will almost certainly be fine but why take the chance for a virus with such a high survival rate, especially now that the vaccines seem to be doing next to nothing for stopping the spread?

My mum is a doctor with connections to brilliant (on the spectrum) people who have worked with mRNA and they won’t touch these vaccines.

Add to that, I don’t like Pfizer as a company. They are using bully tactics on poor countries and lobbying hard to first world countries to get a monopoly with an inferior product.

Novavax also has lower side effects, better results, and resembles a traditional, effective vaccine more closely because all the work is done in the moth protein not inside your own body.

Joshyybaxx · 2021-12-22T00:10:13+00:00

It's the most 'traditional' style vaccine.

That's literally it.

bor3danddrunk · 2021-12-21T23:59:54+00:00

My friend is mistrusting of mRNA and waiting for Novavax as a more 'traditional' vaccine

reified · 2021-12-22T01:04:50+00:00

The approval in Australia of novavax seems to be taking a long time. Any updates on the progress?

AuLex456 · 2021-12-22T00:27:37+00:00

neither the Adenovirus nor the mRNA have recent history as a mass vaccine product,

Adenovirus was recently used as a component in an Ebola vaccine, but that was by J&J who seem to have a superior vaccine to AstraZeneca. Also Ebola vaccine are used in very poor countries, where life is cheap, and followup is non existent.

mRNA did actually achieve use as a gene blocker therapy for PCSK9 inhibitors. last I read circa 2019 mRNA had just scaled up to a large trial of around 300,000 users per year. Note this is a therapy for whom statins failed to maintain effectiveness, this mRNA lipid capsule was modified to selectively be used by the liver, so any heart side effects probably would not have occurred anyway. No history of mRNA for vaccines deployed existed pre covid19.

AZ's use of a fetal cell line is true (HEK293), but irrelevant for mRNA vaccines or Novavax, as they don't use HEK 293 for production.

Nearest vaccine in production to Novavax is Shingrix, the adjuvant between the 2 are from the same family saponins- (soapbark tree- south america).

30flips · 2021-12-22T01:35:28+00:00

I can repeat the justification one person has given me but I cannot remember the specific components (I was told but just don’t remember them).

He has had anaphylactic reaction and had to be resuscitated to a vaccine he received many years ago. They did not determine the exact component that caused it but there were 2 likely candidates. Well one of those candidates is supposedly in the AZ and the other is in both Pfizer and Moderna. This has been deemed not a valid reason for a vaccine exemption (until the Novavax is approved anyway). And he is simply scared he will again go into anaphylactic shock and die again but this time he won’t be able to be resuscitated. He is an older gentleman. So he is just isolated away until he can get access to this vaccine. He read it would be approved by end of October/start of November but it is still yet to be approved so it is hard for him.

As to how much of this information is correct, I do not know. But his fear is real enough and I feel quite sorry for him as he openly admits he is now struggling a lot mentally. Not everyone is just doing it to avoid being vaccinated.

TechManPat · 2021-12-22T02:24:42+00:00

Just to be clear... your mention of Fetal cell lines...

No, the COVID-19 vaccines do not contain any aborted fetal cells. However, fetal cell lines – cells grown in a laboratory based on aborted fetal cells collected generations ago – were used in testing during research and development of the mRNA vaccines, and during production of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

thewavefixation · 2021-12-22T02:46:37+00:00

Misguided distrust of new tech fuelled by conspiracy theories as well as general scientific illiteracy.

scomoman · 2021-12-22T06:24:37+00:00

My reason was because it was protein based, and I didn't see any events relating to cardiac problems. That's just me tho

doppleganger_ · 2021-12-22T07:30:19+00:00

I was part of the Novavax clinical trials last year. I got 2 doses and one placebo. I know this because I was a unblinded at the end of the trial.

Zero side effects from either dose. That’s why I’d be going for it.

2021-12-22T00:46:10+00:00

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2021-12-22T02:10:11+00:00

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Ronnie_Dean_oz · 2021-12-22T03:51:37+00:00

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claaaaaaaah · 2021-12-22T06:34:41+00:00

Novavax is a protein sub unit vaccine which is the same technology that many vaccines use, so it's not new technology like the others. I guess people feel like it might be safer and more effective because those kinds of vaccines are tried and true already. Plus the people who have concerns about long term effects of mRNA would feel more reassured about getting Novavax because protein unit vaccines have already been in use for long enough to know there is no issue with long term effects.

I also saw a study that compared the neutralising antibody load after vaccination and novavax out performed the others. That's only one factor but it does give some home it may be a very effective vaccine.

Cheezel62 · 2021-12-22T05:34:45+00:00

I got AZ first up because that’s all there was and I’ve got lung damage. I just got a Moderna booster but would just as happily have got Pfizer. Got it at the local chemist and as they’d run out of Pfizer I got Moderna. Couldn’t care less tbh.

If people want to wait, so be it. Imo it’s a bit silly with omicron now rampaging around. I’ll keep wearing a mask in shops and where it’s busy, eat outside etc and just get on with life in spite of covid. Merry Christmas and a variant free New Year.

2021-12-22T01:10:35+00:00

Reading through the responses, most peoples reason seem to be views formed by reading MEMEs instead of listening to experts.

deerhunterwaltz · 2021-12-22T01:12:25+00:00

Personally I’m waiting for confirmation on how many doses are required as well as intervals and long term risk profiles of mRNA vaccines before considering them as a viable option.

Unfortunately there is political and emotional factors that surround these treatments so I have ruled them out as my risk profile for COVID is extremely low whilst at the same time risk profile of these vaccines is much higher then traditional methods.

Subunit vaccines have a much lower risk profile for adverse reactions as well as been proven historically so I feel comfortable in taking these provided there is a clear indication of dosage intervals and total doses required.

The protection aspect of the vaccine is not of great concern to me, I am only concerned by potential side effects of the vaccines as I have never had any side effects previously.

yahwehnahweh · 2021-12-22T03:36:55+00:00

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CommandGood8338 · 2021-12-22T05:52:01+00:00

Moderna had never brought a vaccine succesfully to trial prior to their EUA- failed 8 times.

CookedCritter · 2021-12-22T06:20:08+00:00

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psyberwolf1100 · 2021-12-22T06:59:31+00:00

i got 1 dose Pfizer than had heart issues, than 1 dose AZ afterwards and 3 days later i was told about a gene mutation i have which makes me have a higher risk of clotting :/. For booster id like to get something different if available, but probably won't hold out if it comes to that as more protection of any flavour is better than none, would probably do AZ again if possible over Pfizer (predisposition to myocarditis).

SensitiveVanilla13 · 2021-12-22T11:14:40+00:00

I’m Pfizer double vaccinated and haven’t looked into novavax at all, but if the side effects are more mild of less common I’d definitely say that would interest me.

In general though, I think most people are probably just using it as an excuse of why they aren’t currently vaccinated with no intention of getting novavax.

elbento · 2021-12-22T02:33:22+00:00

Thought you were talking about Novax Jokovich for a second..

pandifer · 2021-12-22T04:53:58+00:00

Novavax sounded like a good option… until it wasnt. That is, its been touted for months but still has not arrived. I’m beginning to think it will never be released no matter how many countries approve it

_aaine_ · 2021-12-22T06:43:09+00:00

Husband's ex was originally not getting vaxed at all and didn't want their kids vaxed (they live with us.) Then, she was waiting for Novavax and wanted us to wait for it for the kids. Her reason was that it's not a MRNA vaccine. After months of arguing before approval for Pfizer was given for kids in Australia, we got the kids vaccinated with Pfizer as soon as it was available and she ended up getting Moderna.

Ultimately she realised the wait for Novavax was going to be long with no guarantee it would be approved, and that her freedoms were about to be significantly curtailed I suspect.

linco_28 · 2021-12-22T06:51:09+00:00

Each to their own... if people want a certain vax, let them get that vax of their choice. How many times does the government have to lie about the avaliable vax's how effective safe they are... at the start they said it will fix everything... people believed it then now.. they keep adding oh wait it doesn't fix this doesn't fix that.. possibly may give a little protection.... and people still believe all this shit is so safe and effective. I know first hand pericarditis is real effect. It's each and every individuals choice. All I ever read is these vaxxers saying everyone unvaxxed/questioning or waiting is stupid..... respect everyone's views. And lay off the main stream media...

2021-12-22T07:11:29+00:00

My bf would prefer to get Novavax. He has already had the AZ because his job required it. Basically because it's not MRNA like Pfizer and doesn't include fetal cells like the AZ. Also he's opposed to the role that Pfizer as a company played in the opiod crisis. I think there have been some studies saying the Novavax is the safest? Haven't done much looking into it myself. We don't have much choice here in NZ. It's either Pfizer or AZ. They both also have high risk side effects specifically in his demographic (young males) such as myocarditis for Pfizer and blood clots in AZ.

crossfitvision · 2021-12-22T08:31:38+00:00

I know one person in particular who says he’ll get Novovax. He’s an anti vaxxer but realises the consequences of not getting a shot now. Probably realises people are over his grandstanding and nobody sees him as a martyr.

By getting Novovax he saves face and can claim he’s done his research and concluded Novovax is safe unlike the others. But he wouldn’t be able to tell you why any vaccines are different from the other.

It’s all about pride and saving face.

WhatYouThinkIThink · 2021-12-22T08:53:11+00:00

I know someone who is waiting for Novavax because they think Pfizer causes infertility 😂😂😂

knowledgeable_diablo · 2021-12-22T10:19:05+00:00

I know one of them was made using two seperate denatured virus cell building blocks for shot 1 vs shot 2 which in effect gave a great immune response as the body became responsive to the Covid Spike protein more effectively as it was presented in seperate ways which amped up the immune response better. Whether this is the Novavax I’m not sure, but each one does have unique aspects that have minor differences to how the bodies generate antibodies and fight the COVID virus.

However, the best vaccine to take is the one the doctor is holding in his hand at the time you are to get vaccinated as they are ALL better than none at all. And slight mixing and matching can give overall improved total inoculation.

My guess though is people are using it as the unicorn defence. “I’ll immediately take vaccine X, just a shame vaccine X isn’t available, oh well, guess I’ll just have to wait”.

When Vaccine X becomes available they’ll have miraculously done some “independent research” showing new vaccine Y is totally the one they’ll take because it’s made from unicorn tears and is 0.034% more effective and they just could not live with themselves if they didn’t get the Most effective vaccine available (like not buying a Ferrari because the one next year has 5hp more so is technically infinitely faster); so again they’ll wait.

Ionlywantyoutosuffer · 2021-12-22T11:54:19+00:00

I have to wait for Novavax for my booster shot. Got pericarditis after my second shot of Moderna. Wish I had waited for Novavax. I still have a lot of pain.

TheSilverBeatles91 · 2021-12-22T13:18:29+00:00

A guy from work can’t risk a heart infection so he’s waiting for novavax

2021-12-22T17:06:18+00:00

Personally am waiting for Novavax on the advice of the registered adverse events physician in my state after having severe neurological problems within two days of the administration of my first moderna shot. Issues have persisted for more than 8 months. He was not recommending J&J to women in my age group and it seems clear why now. The reason he advised the Novavax is that it is a protein subunit vaccine which I have had without incident in the past (Hep B as well as whooping cough.) It's hugely annoying to have to wait for this vaccine and watch everyone else take the standard ones with no issue, but I had to withdraw from a semester of graduate school and was pretty much incapacitated from this reaction so don't have a choice in the matter. OH - and the isolation going on for nearly two years has been fun. Novavax does use fetal cell lines to answer your question, though some antivaxxers seem to think it doesn't.

ZephkielAU · 2021-12-22T04:16:54+00:00

Legit answer: the others already got fearmongered hard so people who got sucked into the scare campaigns are thinking Novavax is the way to go. Unfortunately there'll be an equally prominent scare campaign with associated talking points distributed to the people who are legitimately just scared, and it'll work again so unfortunately not many who are waiting will actually get it.

Edit: ignoring the bad faith people who are just saying it because it's an easy deflection.

EL_PETHO · 2021-12-22T04:27:31+00:00

Friends of a friend waiting for Novavax because apparently they can detox it out of their bodies but can’t with the mRNA ones.. lol

23569072358345672 · 2021-12-22T04:31:54+00:00

Where’s the long term testing on these vaccines!!!!! NO THANKYOU! I’m hedging my bets on this, up until now untested vax. It sounds cool.

dabuddhaman · 2021-12-22T06:12:50+00:00

I believe that the incidence of heart problems caused by mrna vaccines is significantly under-reported, understand its anecdotal but I personally know 3 people who have long term heart problems after mrna vaccines and another 2 who had some really alarming short term side effects. I got AZ for this reason and sadly it looks as though they are phasing it out.

Frankly I will hold out on getting a booster as long as possible as I believe that all the vaccines have side effects that are really not worth it for someone in my demographic. But if I get forced to choose between employment and a booster I will get novavax if AZ is not available.

silversurfer022 · 2021-12-22T07:35:18+00:00

Don't worry, being downvoted by antivaxx morons is an honour.

PoppyDean88 · 2021-12-22T07:36:00+00:00

Novavax uses a traditional vaccine approach of using purified pieces of the coronavirus to spur an immune response in the body. My friend is an epidemiologist and this is their preferred vaccine. They’re not as keen on the mRNA vaccines but had AZ as that was what was available.

Slayers_Picks · 2021-12-22T10:27:57+00:00

because to put it fucking bluntly, people are pussies who are scared of the big mean jabby jab and the big mean guberment telling them what to dooo.

Substantial-Bison980 · 2022-01-28T13:24:03+00:00

CogForLife.org has information of the use of all currently available SARS-Cov2 vaccines, and the role aborted fetal cell lines played in development, production, and/or testing.

The Novavax vaccine used insect cell lines in development and production, and the initial testing phase. ...but, then later on Fetal Cell Line HEK-293 was used in the testing to better see how the protien was expressed. ...it was almost an ethical vaccine. But they had to go and do testing on an over 40 year old line of dead black baby boy. So, it ain't ethical anymore, as anything that creates a demand for the use of aborted fetal products, funds the abortion industry. And those of us that understand how we vote with our money and products we buy, want no part in facilitating any of that. We can shape the world we want, with what we create demand for and spend our money on. That is how a free market works. No monopolies or forced violations of one's conscience of ethics should be happening in a free country. If you want to create demand for products that depend on dead baby parts, kept alive in labs for over 40 decades, probably developing mutations and cancers that aren't being mentioned. That is on your conscience, Not Mine. Don't expect me to compromise my moral values, for the fear programmed into the world by corporate connected and owned media, to facilitate massive unethical profits of rushed medical proceedures, with NO Long Term Data to support the claims the jabs are Safe, or even effective.

I am waiting for a fully ethically developed vaccine, with full disclosure of the ingredients, risks assessment of the side-effects, and Long Term Data on the risk verses benefits of such a vaccine.

And thanks to the fear mongering, and people all rushing out for the first available improperly tested unethical vaccines. The demand for long term study proven safe, effective, and Morally developed vaccines, is no longer big enough, for the cost of development and production to be recovered. So the other dozen companies that were trying to develop vaccines using plant cells. Have stopped development.

The media's marketting campaigns for big pharma's profit margins was super effective against the masses of easily led and manipulated people not looking at the big picture. Sheep for the slaughter even perhaps.

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