Lehigh Valley Health Network will start giving Novavax COVID-19 vaccines for adults over 18 at the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic-MacArthur Road in Whitehall starting on Friday.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) authorized Novavax in July.

Novavax is a two-dose vaccine that is given at least three weeks apart but can be given up to eight weeks apart if necessary.

The Novavax vaccine uses a different type of technology than the mRNA vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. It uses a more traditional protein-based approach like other vaccines used to prevent other illnesses.

The Novavax vaccine is not indicated for use as a booster and is only available for those who have not received a previous COVID-19 vaccine.

“Novavax is a great option for those who have not been vaccinated because of an allergy to an mRNA component in the other available vaccines or for those who have been waiting for a different option,” says Dr. Alex Benjamin, LVHN Chief Infection Control and Prevention Officer, Infectious Diseases. “Vaccines remain the best defense against complications from severe COVID-19 infection.”

Scheduling is encouraged and can be completed through MyLVHN, the patient portal, or by calling the COVID-19 vaccine hotline at 833-584-6283. The hotline is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Walk-ins also are accepted at the Whitehall location.

For information on vaccines and clinics, visit LVHN.org/vaccines. Information on third vaccine shots or boosters can be found at LVHN.org/booster.