Availability of JN.1 Novavax/Nuvaxovid COVID-19 Vaccine under NVP 2025/2026
30 December 2025 | Vaccinations | MOH Cir 88/2025
Summary
1. Background
JN.1 Novavax/Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine will be available from 2 January 2026 to 31 May 2026 under National Vaccination Programme (NVP) for 2025/2026. Novavax will not update vaccine to LP.8.1 strain; continues manufacturing JN.1 (same as 2024/2025). Circular embargoed until 30 December 2025, 4pm.
2. Vaccine Availability and Formulation
- Vaccine: JN.1 Novavax/Nuvaxovid (nanoparticle technology platform)
- Duration: 2 Jan 2026 to 31 May 2026 (5-month window)
- Strain: JN.1 (not updated; same as 2024/2025)
- Rationale for JN.1: LP.8.1 and circulating strains are descendants of JN.1 lineage
- Cross-Protection: Both LP.8.1 and JN.1 vaccines increase antibodies against recently circulating strains
3. Comparative Efficacy: LP.8.1 vs JN.1
- LP.8.1 Vaccines (Pfizer/Comirnaty, Moderna/Spikevax): Likely superior protection against more recent circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains
- JN.1 Novavax: Both expected to offer additional protection against severe disease despite older strain
- Clinical Implications: LP.8.1 preferred for maximum current-strain coverage, but JN.1 remains effective for severe disease prevention
- Population Level: Either vaccine acceptable; LP.8.1 likely provides marginally better protection
4. Eligible Groups for 2025/2026 COVID-19 Vaccination
Per 2025/2026 recommendations (unchanged from 2024/2025): - Individuals aged 60 years and above - Medically vulnerable individuals (any age with specified conditions) - Healthcare workers - Persons in congregate settings - Occupational high-risk exposure groups
5. Clinical Considerations
- Platform Diversity: Novavax uses different technology (recombinant protein + matrix M adjuvant) vs mRNA vaccines; may suit patients with specific vaccine concerns
- Prior Vaccination: Individuals previously vaccinated with mRNA vaccines can receive Novavax; choice depends on individual circumstances
- Scheduling: Can be co-administered with other vaccines at different sites
- Timing: Latest available vaccine; after May 2026, supply limited; plan accordingly
6. Action for Your Practice
- Stock Novavax availability information for eligible patients who may prefer protein-based vaccine
- Counsel patients on choice between LP.8.1 (preferred current efficacy) vs JN.1 (available, effective)
- Document vaccine type (Novavax JN.1) if administering
- Track supply; note May 2026 availability end date
- Identify patients with specific vaccine preferences (e.g., those declining mRNA); Novavax option available
- Consider prior vaccine history when counseling vaccine choice
- Inform patients of differences; both offer protection but LP.8.1 likely superior for current strains
7. Key Dates
- Embargo: Until 30 Dec 2025, 4pm
- Availability Starts: 2 Jan 2026
- Availability Ends: 31 May 2026
- Planning: Stock accordingly for Jan-May period
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𝟭. 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱
JN.1 Novavax/Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine will be available from 2 January 2026 to 31 May 2026 under National Vaccination Programme (NVP) for 2025/2026. Novavax will not update vaccine to LP.8.1 strain; continues manufacturing JN.1 (same as 2024/2025). Circular embargoed until 30 December 2025, 4pm.
𝟮. 𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
• Vaccine: JN.1 Novavax/Nuvaxovid (nanoparticle technology platform) • Duration: 2 Jan 2026 to 31 May 2026 (5-month window) • Strain: JN.1 (not updated; same as 2024/2025) • Rationale for JN.1: LP.8.1 and circulating strains are descendants of JN.1 lineage • Cross-Protection: Both LP.8.1 and JN.1 vaccines increase antibodies against recently circulating strains
𝟯. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆: 𝗟𝗣.𝟴.𝟭 𝘃𝘀 𝗝𝗡.𝟭
• LP.8.1 Vaccines (Pfizer/Comirnaty, Moderna/Spikevax): Likely superior protection against more recent circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains • JN.1 Novavax: Both expected to offer additional protection against severe disease despite older strain • Clinical Implications: LP.8.1 preferred for maximum current-strain coverage, but JN.1 remains effective for severe disease prevention • Population Level: Either vaccine acceptable; LP.8.1 likely provides...
𝟰. 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗-𝟭𝟵 𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Per 2025/2026 recommendations (unchanged from 2024/2025): • Individuals aged 60 years and above • Medically vulnerable individuals (any age with specified conditions) • Healthcare workers • Persons in congregate settings • Occupational high-risk exposure groups
Documents
Circular
- MOH Cir 88_2025 Availability of JN.1 NovavaxNuvaxovid COVID-19 Vaccine under National Vaccinatio.pdf