SK Bioscience President An Jae-yong, Novavax COVID-19 Updated Vaccine Booster Shot

Synthetic Antigen-Based COVID-19 Vaccine
Proven Safety Method... Easy Distribution

SK Bioscience announced on the 19th that President Ahn Jae-yong received an additional dose of the Novavax COVID-19 updated vaccine at a clinic located in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do.

Ahn Jae-yong, President of SK Bioscience (left), is receiving the Novavax COVID-19 updated vaccine.
[Photo by SK Bioscience]

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) introduced approximately 500,000 doses of the Novavax recombinant protein subunit vaccine targeting the COVID-19 Omicron XBB.1.5 variant to South Korea at the end of last month. Same-day vaccinations and advance reservations began on the 18th. SK Bioscience is responsible for the domestic distribution and sales of the Novavax vaccine.

The newly introduced Novavax updated vaccine is a recombinant protein subunit vaccine produced using the same genetic recombination technology as vaccines for hepatitis B and influenza (flu). It received Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 3rd and was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on October 31st. It is currently the only non-messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine used in the United States and Europe.

The Novavax updated vaccine demonstrated immune responses against the ▲XBB.1.5 ▲XBB.1.16 ▲XBB.2.3 variant viruses through non-clinical trials. Additionally, it showed neutralizing antibody responses against newly emerged subvariants ▲BA.2.86 ▲EG.5.1 ▲FL.1.5.1 ▲XBB.1.16.6, and helper T cell (CD4+) responses involved in immunity against the ▲EG.5.1 and ▲XBB.1.16.6 variants.

The KDCA recommends vaccination with the Novavax updated vaccine in the same manner as the previously introduced mRNA vaccines, as it targets the XBB.1.5 variant. The vaccination is recommended for all citizens aged 12 and older, including high-risk groups such as seniors aged 65 and above and immunocompromised individuals.

The Novavax updated vaccine is administered as a single 0.5 ml intramuscular injection at least three months after the primary or additional vaccination. Free same-day vaccinations are currently available at designated medical institutions and public health centers nationwide. Detailed information can be found on the COVID-19 vaccination website.

SK Bioscience explained, "The recombinant protein platform has proven its safety through long-term use in vaccines for influenza (flu), hepatitis B, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Especially, it can be stored under refrigerated conditions at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, allowing distribution through existing vaccine logistics networks, and does not require thawing during administration, making it more convenient to use."