Anyone have any info on the new Novavax COVID shot vs Moderna/Pfizer?

Yes, and I would like to know why some doctors are hesitant to recommend getting the Pfizer booster right now and others say ok to take? I am confused. I am one year post transplant. I do not want to get Covid again. Took me 20 days to get a negative result. Best regards, BB

@m1rmiller @blbird33 -
I want to congratulate and commend you for your desire to take care of yourselves and to protect your beautiful organs. My transplant was 14 years ago and the one sure thing that I have learned over those wonderful years is that my transplant team at Mayo Clinic Rochester is the first and only voice that I listen to with regards to my overall post-transplant health. If my team recommends something, I will consult with them when I (or my PCP) have questions.
I am well aware that there are many other points of view and opinions floating around, and that it can become confusing when everyone is speaking at once.

Here is the simple straightforward answer to your question about difference between the Noravax and the Pfizer/Moderna vaccines from Johns Hopkins:

- What to Know About the Updated COVID-19 Vaccine for Fall/Winter 2023
"The updated Novavax COVID vaccine is authorized for people 12 years and older. Unlike Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna’s mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is protein-based. It’s an option people can consider if they are unable or choose not to get an mRNA vaccine."
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2023/what-to-know-about-the-updated-covid-19-vaccine-for-fall/winter-2023
.
Please refer to this link to learn more.

Have you consulted with your transplant team, yet?

My next appointment is still almost 3 weeks away, so I sent a message to my coordinator asking for his advice. The response hasn't arrived yet. I also asked whether, since they are completely different types of methodology, it might even work for me to get both an mNRA and the Novavax. Thanks for your response.

post script- My coordinator replied that he was not aware of any studies of the Novavax and immune compromised yet and advised getting an mRNA vaccine. Got mine yesterday So far so good. No side effects to note yet on the evening of the second day.

Hi Mirmiller, I was not confutable with the mRNA ones. At the time I was concerned about the less-than-optimal percentage of protection and being a new technology wanted to wait. Now I did decide to get the Novavax first series of 2 shots when they became available under the EUA as this particular technology is already tested and approved for use in vaccines like MERS, SARS, EBOLA and is a protein-based vaccine. I had other reasons also but they are based on my Christian Faith.
So I got the 2 shots and had no problems except a mild sore arm like you get with the flu vaccine. I will say that about2 months ago i did get Covid and it was very mild with no treatment of any kind and except for a weak feeling after, which is completely gone now, i had no other symptoms that were not similar to the Flu. It lasted about a week and started with a headache for about a day and a half. then normal flu symptoms except no fever except for the first day I had a low one of 100 but the rest of the time it stayed under 99 and mostly in the 98 range. So I'm happy I decided to do the Novavax one and if I decide on a booster I'll wait for a fully approved Novavax one. I believe that now that I had confirmed Covid that is actually better than a booster. Hope that helps you decide what you want to do. Let me know if you have any questions .
Blessings

Hi Dana- Thanks for your response. Are you saying that Christianity has taken a position against mRNA vaccines? I was unaware of this. Thank you for alerting us.
Be well yourself.

Hi Dana (again)- OK- I've done some reasearch and found an article that seems to explain what's going on with this controversy. Thanks for inspiring my research. article available here: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/january-web-only/covid-19-vaccine-christian-ethical-questions-fetal-cells.html

@m1rmiller, the article you found explains things very clearly and in detail. Thank you for finding it. Bottom line in the article, after reviewing the production and efficacy of new mRNA technology, leading Christian groups and ethics experts continue to recommend the mRNA vaccines.

@danab, with the addition of Novavax, people who continue to have concerns about the new mRNA vaccine they have an evidence-based choice that can also help overcome remaining personal concerns.

@blbird33, according to some experts the updated 2023 Covid vaccine isn't considered a booster. It is a formula adapted to the current strain of Covid. Boosters were additional injections to boost immunity of the earlier strains as immunity waned. But, like you, I continue to see the term booster used widely.

Here's an article from Mayo Clinic that helps explain more about the new COVID-19 vaccine:
- Mayo Clinic expert answers questions about the new COVID-19 vaccine https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-expert-answers-questions-about-the-new-covid-19-vaccine/

The Mayo transplant team offers some guidance about protecting yourself this fall in this article:
- Respiratory Illness: 3 Types to Watch This Fall https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/transplant/newsfeed-post/respiratory-illness-3-types-for-2023/
Mayo doctors advocate "for the flu vaccine and COVID boosters because they are the best way to prevent serious illness, especially for those who are immune compromised and their close contacts."
"As a transplant patient, you should not receive the FluMist, nor should any of your caregivers or close contacts. The FluMist is a live virus vaccine and could cause people with weakened immune systems to become ill."

@m1rmiller, I'm encouraged to hear that you got your vaccine without delay and that you're doing well.

Which Covid shot does Mayo recommend for kidney transplant patients? The Novavax, the mRNA, or Pfizer? I am confused reading all the info here given. Also, my brother an MD stated there is not enough medical data yet to reassure that I will not get really sick from any of them. My brother an MD told me to skip the Covid shot and just get the Flu and Pneumonia shots instead. Is this really recommended? Please advise as my TC said the Covid shot if fine to get. I do not want to get sick from the Covid shot. Thank you, BB

@blbird33,
It can be confusing because there are 3 types of illnesses to watch out for this fall. In this short/easy to read article, Respiratory Illness: 3 Types to Watch This Fall, you will read that, "Even with the controversy surrounding vaccines lately, doctors are still advocating for the flu vaccine and COVID boosters because they are the best way to prevent serious illness, especially for those who are immune compromised and their close contacts."
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/transplant/newsfeed-post/respiratory-illness-3-types-for-2023/ )

Here is a video that will help you to understand why your transplant team said that you should get the new Covid vaccine. In this video, you can listen to answers from a Mayo Clinic expert about the new Covid-19 vaccine.
- Mayo Clinic expert answers questions about the new COVID-19 vaccine
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-expert-answers-questions-about-the-new-covid-19-vaccine/
BB, I hope you will share this with your brother. And with all respect to your brother, I would listen to my transplant for guidance whenever my transplanted organs are involved.

I encourage you to join this discussion:
- Transplant: Vaccines: Covid, Flu, RSV
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/transplant-vaccines-covid-flu-rsv/