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Up-to-date Information: Up-to-Date Info : To find the latest CDC information on this topic go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Understanding protein subunit COVID-19 vaccines

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  • Corporate Authors:
    National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (U.S.). Division of Viral Diseases.
  • Description:
    Updated July 20, 2022

    What You Need to Know

    • Protein subunit COVID-19 vaccines contain pieces (proteins) of the virus that causes COVID-19; these proteins are called the “spike protein.”

    • Protein subunit COVID-19 vaccines also contain another ingredient called an adjuvant that helps the immune system respond to that virus in the future.

    • Once the immune system knows how to respond to the spike protein, the immune system will be able to respond quickly to the actual virus spike protein and protect you against COVID-19.

    • Researchers have been studying protein subunit vaccines for a long time and this type of vaccine has been in use for decades.

    • Like all vaccines, protein subunit vaccines benefit people who get vaccinated by giving them protection against diseases like COVID-19 without risking the potentially serious consequences of getting sick.

    The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is a protein subunit COVID-19 vaccine that is authorized for use in the United States under Emergency Use Authorization. Learn more about Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, including who can get it, doses, and ingredients.

  • Content Notes:
    How Protein Subunit COVID-19 Vaccines Work -- Facts About Protein Subunit COVID-19 Vaccines -- Protein Subunit COVID-19 Vaccines Have Been Rigorously Evaluated for Safety -- Protein Subunit Vaccines Have Been Used for Years.
  • Subjects:
  • Document Type:
    Webpage
  • Name as Subject:
    Novavax vaccine
  • Collection(s):
  • Main Document Checksum:
    urn:sha256:02701757c2c841483644450cd1866391ba1690a2d9b56f3524a117f285de6c3d
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  • File Type:
    Filetype[PDF - 197.02 KB ]

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