Namwon-si Begins 'Novavax' COVID-19 Vaccination for Prevention

Published 21 Feb.2022 15:26(KST)

[Namwon=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Jeong Young-kwon] Jeonbuk Namwon City has introduced the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine and started vaccinations on the 16th for unvaccinated individuals aged 18 and over and high-risk groups with a high severity rate.

According to the city on the 21st, the Novavax vaccine is manufactured using a recombinant DNA technology method, which is also used in various vaccine productions (such as hepatitis B and influenza vaccines).

While providing similar levels of infection prevention and severe illness/death prevention effects as existing COVID-19 vaccines (mRNA), most adverse reactions after vaccination are reported to be mild to moderate and disappear within 1 to 3 days.

Although the principle is to administer the second dose with the same vaccine as the first dose, in cases where a doctor determines (during preliminary examination) that a different vaccine is needed due to medical reasons (such as contraindications or postponement), cross-vaccination with the Novavax vaccine is exceptionally possible.

This opens a path for those who were unable to complete vaccination due to side effects from mRNA vaccines and were anxious about it to also prevent COVID-19.

Namwon Medical Center, designated for same-day vaccination, plans to implement this temporarily until the 6th of next month, and vaccinations at entrusted medical institutions can be made starting from the 7th of next month following advance reservations beginning on this day.

The city plans to conduct home visits for vaccination at health centers only for unvaccinated individuals who are immobile or have difficulty moving and thus could not get vaccinated.

Same-day vaccinations can be made by reserving leftover vaccines on KakaoTalk or Naver or by visiting the center directly for vaccination.

Novavax advance reservations are possible through the official website, health center call centers, and eup/myeon/dong administrative welfare centers. Those unvaccinated who are immobile and wish to receive home vaccination can apply at the Namwon City Health Center Vaccination Office.

Han Yong-jae, head of the Namwon City Health Center, said, “We hope citizens will participate in COVID-19 vaccinations to protect themselves and their families from variant viruses and breakthrough infections.”