PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – Effective immediately, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is now offering the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine to those ages 12 and older. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the emergency use authorization for the Novavax vaccine from age 18 years and older to 12 years of age and older on Aug. 19, followed by endorsement from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on Aug. 23.

“This expansion will help keep our children safe — especially as families prepare to return to school,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “We urge everyone to get vaccinated and protected if they haven’t already.” 

The Novavax vaccine, which is now approved for use for 12 years of age and older, will be administered as a two-dose primary series three to eight weeks apart. Novavax is a protein-based vaccine designed and manufactured differently than the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines such as Pfizer and Moderna. The technology used in Novavax has been widely used in FDA-approved vaccines for decades. Additionally, Novavax offers an alternative for those who may be allergic to the mRNA vaccines.

While the Novavax vaccine will not be listed as an available option on MyTurn until the end of August, those interested in receiving the Novavax vaccine can request it at one of the City-run vaccine clinics.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to contact their health care provider to learn more about all of the COVID-19 vaccine options, now available to everyone 6 months old and older. Vaccines are safe and effective, having undergone rigorous safety monitoring. Parents and guardians are encouraged to sign their children up for V-Safe to share information with the CDC about how their child feels, post vaccine. It is recommended that any suspected adverse events following vaccination be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS). 

The Health Department continues to urge everyone to get vaccinated and boosted when eligible, as it remains the single best way to protect yourself and those around you against COVID-19. Vaccines are safe and effective in preventing COVID-19 infection and especially effective at preventing hospitalization, serious illness or death among breakthrough cases of the virus. To view the most up-to-date vaccine clinic schedule and to schedule an appointment, visit longbeach.gov/vaxLB or call 562.570.4636. People also can visit MyTurn.ca.gov to find vaccine appointments for the whole family.

For the latest information on COVID-19, with details on all that the City of Long Beach is doing to keep our residents safe, visit longbeach.gov/COVID19 and follow @LongBeachCity and @LBHealthDept on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. People may also visit longbeach.gov/COVID19data for up-to-date information regarding cases and vaccines in Long Beach.