They also came to Napoli, from 1 March, the first doses of the new Covid Novavax vaccine, made in the United States and protein based, that is, it is based on recombinant protein technology.
It is not new as it is already used for other types of vaccines, such as that against hepatitis B, and also for this reason it should be an incentive for those who are still undecided about the vaccine.
In our region 53000 doses have arrived, while in Naples 16.700, and can be received at the moment in the vaccination hubs of Asl Naples 2 North. Currently they have not yet been distributed in the vaccination centers of the Asl Napoli 1 Centro which also include the Mostra d'Oltremare and the Capodimonte Fagianeria.
As for the Asl Napoli 3 Sud, we await more information.
What are the differences between Novavax and other mRna and viral vector vaccines
The most famous vaccines, which we now know well, are divided into two categories.
How mRna vaccines work, in short
Those with mRna, such as Pfizer and Moderna, exploit a mRna chain that enters the cytoplasm of the muscle cell (not the nucleus, where DNA is instead present) and is "elaborate”From the cell which thus creates proteins on the basis of the indications present in the rna, the spike proteins precisely.
The immune system will then recognize these spike proteins and attack them when the real virus arrives.
How viral vector vaccines work, in short
Adenovirus vaccines, such as Astrazeneca and J&J, are of another nature. They exploit a virus for chimpanzees (adenovirus in fact) to which the ability to replicate is inhibited. The virus penetrates the cell and acts as a DNA carrier, this DNA will reach the nucleus where it will be processed leading to the synthesis of spike proteins.
How does the Novavax vaccine work?
Unlike previous vaccines, which "offloaded responsibility" for producing spike proteins onto cells, Novavax already delivers the spike protein on an adjuvant capsule.
Basically it's like a birthday cake, with spiked protein instead of candles.
The advantage is that it is a technology that we know well, even vaccines for hepatitis b and tetanus are produced in this way. The disadvantage is that the production times are much longer, which was the main advantage of the other vaccines, which allowed to have a wide coverage in a very short time.
How to get the Novavax vaccine
To be able to receive this new vaccine it is not necessary to book because it is sufficient to show up in the vaccination hubs with the Open Day modality. Remember to have the health insurance card.
How Novavax is given
Novavax vaccine is administered in two doses with the second after 3 weeks from the first.
The date of the second administration is communicated at the time of the first vaccination.
Who can get Novavax
At the moment they will only be able to have the vaccine over 18 who have not yet been vaccinated. Hence, anyone who has not yet received any type of Covid vaccine will be able to go to vaccination hubs to get vaccinated with Novavax.
The timetables of the vaccination centers
Asl Naples 2 North
- Monteruscello - Pala Trincone: every day from 13.00 to 19.00;
- Bacoli - Ostrichina: Saturday from 9.00 to 13.00;
- Forio d'Ischia - piazza Municipio: on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 13.00 to 19.00;
- Procida - Town Hall: only on Sundays from 10.00 to 13.00;
- Mugnano - E. Segrè High School Gymnasium: every day from 13.00 to 19.00;
- Afragola: Palazzo Lumo: every day from 13.00 to 19.00.
