SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike protein at a glance
Medicine class
Recombinant, adjuvanted protein-subunit vaccine
Licensed purpose
Active immunisation to prevent COVID-19
Licensed age group
People aged 12 years and over, according to official recommendations
Administration
Injection into a muscle, usually in the upper arm, by a healthcare professional
What is SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike protein used for?
Licensed for active immunisation against COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 in people aged 12 years and over. Use and availability follow current national vaccination recommendations.
Prevention of COVID-19 in eligible people aged 12 years and over
How does SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike protein work?
The vaccine presents a purified, prefusion-stabilised JN.1 spike protein to the immune system. Matrix-M stimulates the innate immune response, helping generate spike-specific antibodies and B- and T-cell responses that may protect against COVID-19.
How to take SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike protein
A doctor, pharmacist or nurse injects it into a muscle, usually in the upper arm. The pre-filled syringe is ready to use and must not be shaken, diluted or mixed with another product. You will normally be observed afterwards for an immediate allergic reaction.
Tell the vaccinator about previous vaccine reactions, allergies, fainting, bleeding problems, anticoagulants or immune-suppressing treatment.
Postpone vaccination if you have a severe acute infection or high fever. A minor infection or low-grade fever does not usually require delay.
Do not drive or use machinery while feeling unwell after vaccination.
SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike protein side effects
Common or expected effects
- Tenderness, pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Tiredness or generally feeling unwell
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever or chills
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling, wheezing, breathing difficulty, faintness or collapse
- Myocarditis or pericarditis, which may cause persistent chest pain, breathlessness or palpitations
SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike protein in pregnancy
Eligible pregnant people can receive COVID-19 vaccination at any stage of pregnancy. Experience specifically with Nuvaxovid in pregnancy is limited, so individual assessment of potential benefits and risks is recommended. Discuss product choice with the vaccinator or maternity team.
SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike protein while breastfeeding
Eligible people can receive COVID-19 vaccination while breastfeeding, and the vaccine cannot cause COVID-19 in the parent or baby. It is unknown whether components of Nuvaxovid JN.1 enter human milk. Discuss product-specific concerns with the vaccinator or maternity team.
SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike protein interactions
No conventional metabolic medicine interactions are expected, but other treatments and vaccines can affect administration or immune response.
Inactivated influenza vaccines
Earlier Nuvaxovid data found a lower SARS-CoV-2 binding-antibody response when co-administered, although the clinical significance is unknown.
Other vaccines
Concomitant administration of the JN.1 product has not been specifically studied. Tell the vaccinator about planned or recent vaccinations.
Immunosuppressants, including high-dose corticosteroids and cancer treatments
The immune response and resulting protection may be reduced.
Common questions about SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike protein
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is this an mRNA vaccine?
No. It is a protein-subunit vaccine containing laboratory-made spike protein and the Matrix-M adjuvant.
Can it cause COVID-19?
No. It contains no live coronavirus and cannot give you COVID-19.
Which allergies matter?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.