A fourth coronavirus vaccine could soon be in use in the United States, and it is particularly effective against some of the COVID variants that have helped make the pandemic worse, said Dr. Christopher Doehring, vice president of Medical Affairs at Franciscan Health.
The vaccine is called Covavax, and the company that makes it will be seeking emergency approval for use in the U.S. by the end of the year.
It has been shown to be 100 percent effective against the original COVID-19 virus and 93 percent effective against the Alpha and Beta variants. Researchers believe data will show that it is also highly effective against the Delta variant.
“What they’re doing is producing one of the proteins that’s particularly immunogenic and seems to be a stable part of the virus, as the virus mutates,” said Doehring, talking to WISH-TV, News8.
That means the shot is more effective because the immune system recognizes it immediately.
“Their propriety piece helps it be delivered into the human body and allows the immune system to recognize it effectively and develop a robust response,” said Doehring.
He said the side effects also seem milder than with the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson brands. They include injection site tenderness, headache and slight fatigue.
