The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine, also known as Nuvaxovid, will no longer be available under Singapore’s national vaccination program starting January 1, 2024. This decision follows the manufacturer’s discontinuation of the vaccine, which is based on the original Covid-19 strain.
Final Opportunity for Novavax Vaccination
Singapore’s existing stock of Novavax will expire on December 31, 2023. Individuals wishing to receive this vaccine must get their first dose by December 1 to complete their primary vaccination series before year-end. Those who have already received one dose will be contacted by MOH or the respective clinic to complete their second dose.
Alternative Vaccine Options Post-2024
Post December 31, individuals seeking vaccination can opt for the mRNA vaccines — Moderna/Spikevax and Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty — available at Joint Testing and Vaccination Centres, polyclinics, and PHPCs. For those medically ineligible for mRNA vaccines, the Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine will be available until September 30, 2024, and the Sinopharm vaccine is available at private clinics under the Special Access Route.
MOH’s Continued Encouragement for Vaccination
MOH encourages all eligible individuals to keep up to date with their Covid-19 vaccination for ongoing protection against the virus. The department also highlighted that Novavax is filing for regulatory approval for an updated vaccine formulation targeting the Covid-19 XBB.1.5 strain.
Background of Novavax in Singapore
The Novavax Covid-19 vaccine received interim authorization in Singapore on February 14, 2022, and was later extended for use in adolescents aged 12 to 17. MOH’s advisory in October 2023 recommended additional Covid-19 vaccination doses for people aged six months and above.
Also learn about First Child Death from Covid-19 in Singapore in 2023.
