CASPER, Wyo. — On Tuesday, The Casper-Natrona County Health Department said it will begin administering the new Novavax COVID-19 vaccine this week to people eligible to receive it.
The two-dose series of the vaccine is available to people ages 18 and up who have not previously received other COVID-19 vaccinations, the health department said. It is not currently available as a booster to people who have received other brands of COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccine uses “protein sub-unit technology,” the same used in common Hepatitis B vaccinations, the health department said.
“This is a really great option for people who have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19 and who were maybe uncomfortable with the technology in previous vaccination brands,” Hailey Bloom, health department public information officer, said in the press release.
The two doses that are part of the Novavax series are administered 3–8 weeks apart. The health department said that in most cases, the second dose will be given eight weeks after the first in order to help ensure optimal immune response.
“Due to vaccine storage limitations and to minimize wasted doses, Novavax will only be available by appointment and is not available on a walk-in basis at this time,” the health department said. “Vaccinations remain one of the best ways to protect yourself from more severe and long-lasting illness from COVID-19.
“COVID tests as well as all other COVID vaccines for all individuals over 6 months of age are available for free Monday through Friday from 8:30–4:30 at the Casper-Natrona County Health Department, located at 475 S. Spruce Street.”
