Today (Thursday 8 September) Medsafe published a safety alert in relation to the COVID-19 Novavax (Nuvaxovid) vaccine:
Myocarditis and pericarditis have been reported with Nuvaxovid (Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine)
There have been a small number of cases of myocarditis and pericarditis reported internationally following vaccination with Nuvaxovid. The medicine sponsor now considers that myocarditis and pericarditis may be rare side effects of Nuvaxovid.
Healthcare professionals and vaccinators must inform people being vaccinated with Nuvaxovid about myocarditis and pericarditis and advise them to seek urgent medical attention if they experience symptoms.
You can read the alert, along with advice for consumers and vaccinators here.
Please pass this information to your members and ask them to share this information with consumers seeking a Novavax vaccine.
We have updated our webpages to reflect this change:
https://www.health.govt.nz/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines
Our downloadable fact sheets and printed material will also be updated accordingly.