Japan approves Novavax as 4th COVID vaccine amid new surge
ABC News
Japan’s health ministry has approved Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine, and people could start getting the shots by late May
TOKYO -- Japan’s health ministry on Tuesday formally approved Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine, a fourth foreign-developed tool to combat the infections as the country sees signs of a resurgence led by a subvariant of fast-spreading omicron.
The ministry approval comes the day after its experts panel endorsed use of Novavax's protein vaccine, which is designed with similar technology used to fight diseases such as the flu and hepatitis B, for the first two shots and a booster.
Health Minister Shigeyuki Goto told reporters that Novavax product adds variety to the choices available and could appeal to those who are hesitant to use COVID-19 vaccines such as Pfizer's and Moderna's, which are designed with newer technologies.
Jabs using Novavax vaccine are expected to start as early as late May.
