Distribution of the Novavax vaccine for Covid-19 will begin in Wallonia on Saturday 5 March, the office of Walloon Health Minister Christie Morreale said on Tuesday.
The 150,000 doses of this fifth vaccine authorised in Belgium should be enough to immunise almost 75,000 adults. Seven vaccination centres in the five Walloon provinces will use this new vaccine, which will be administered first to people with a high risk of severe allergic reaction to polyethylene glycol (PEG), which can be found in other Covid vaccines.
Another priority group is people who have had a serious adverse reaction to the first or second dose of another Covid vaccine. They will also be able to receive their shots at an allergy centre, but may also go to a vaccination centre with the permission of the attending physician.
The third priority group is health professionals who are not vaccinated or have only received one dose of Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca.
Related News
- Covid cases continue to drop, Belgium looks towards code yellow
- 'Cheering too soon again': Pandemic is not over yet, Corona Commissioner warns
- Covid-19 situation in Belgian hospitals continues to improve
Once these priority groups have had the opportunity to receive the vaccine, remaining doses will be available on appointment to anyone who has already started their vaccine course with the other vaccine brands.
Brussels started its vaccination campaign on Tuesday with this serum that uses a more "classic" technology based on recombinant proteins similar to that used in many other vaccines, such as the one against hepatitis B. It is administered in two doses with an interval of at least three weeks.