The Goedert pharmacy in Luxembourg City offers vaccination to clients.  Christophe Lemaire/Maison Moderne

The Goedert pharmacy in Luxembourg City offers vaccination to clients.  Christophe Lemaire/Maison Moderne

From 1 March, the nuvavoxid vaccine, also named Novavax, will be available in vaccination centres in Luxembourg. In an effort to increase the vaccination rate, citizens since 26 February can get a covid-19 vaccine in certain Luxembourg pharmacies.

Greenlighted for vulnerable persons

Novavax, following the recommendations of the superior council for infectious diseases (CSMI) published on 23 February, was accepted by the state council. The vaccine offers an additional options for those seeking to either be vaccinated for the first time, or those needing a booster. y already applied in other popular vaccines, and could also be a game changer and convince sceptics of the mRNA and vector-based formulas currently on the market.

According to a government statement published on 25 February, it will be available as a booster for immunocompromised people as well as those undergoing an organ transplant or renal dialysis. It can also be used as a booster after the single-shot Janssen vaccine or two Novavax doses.

The government also recommends this vaccine to those who had a significantly adverse reaction to mRna shots, such as myocarditis or pericarditis. For pregnant women, an mRna inoculation remains the norm as the effect of Novavax on pregnancy hasn’t been studied enough yet.

Currently, the vaccine is set to be administered to adults only (over18s) in one of the three vaccination centres found in Ettelbruck, Esch-Belval and at the Luxexpo.

Pharmacies allowed to administer other vaccines

While the number of hospitalisations in stabilising in the grand duchy, the vaccination effort has not been halted yet. From 26 February, persons above the age of 12 can also get vaccinated in pharmacies.

After booking a vaccination--either a first vaccination scheme or a booster--, residents will go through the same cycle as in any vaccination centre. Following the inoculation of one of the different covid-19 vaccines, persons are invited to remain at the location to rest. Children under the age of 12 still have to visit a vaccination centre or a paediatrician to have access to the vaccine.

The list of pharmacies part of the initiative can be .