(Eagle News) – The COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by American biotechnology company Novavax is currently available in the Aloha State, the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) announced on Wednesday, August 10.

Novavax is a two-dose primary series vaccine for individuals 18 and older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends administering the second dose three to eight weeks after the first shot.

Novavax is a protein subunit vaccine, which includes harmless proteins of the COVID-19 virus that trigger an immune response.

Protein subunit vaccines, which include vaccines for hepatitis B, whooping cough, shingles, and other diseases, have also been used in the US for more than 30 years.

“Novavax gives us another way to protect ourselves from COVID-19,” said State Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char. “Its arrival is great news for people who are allergic to an ingredient in the mRNA vaccines manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna or those who, for whatever reason, have been reluctant to be vaccinated.”

As of this report, the 5-Minute Pharmacy on Oahu and Safeway Pharmacy in Kailua-Kona on Big Island are among the first to offer Novavax vaccinations. Kaiser Permanente facilities statewide will begin offering Novavax by appointment only to both members and non-members starting on August 15.

Headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Novavax, Inc. develops vaccines to counter serious infectious diseases. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company developed experimental vaccines for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, as well as Ebola, and other emerging infectious diseases.

(with reports from by Alfred Acenas, EBC Hawaii-Pacific Bureau, Eagle News Service)