The FDA has granted emergency use authorization for Novavax's revised protein-based Covid vaccine for individuals aged 12 and older, allowing it to compete with the offerings from other manufacturers this upcoming fall and winter season. This vaccine specifically targets the highly transmissible omicron subvariant JN.1, which has been spreading widely in the United States since earlier this year. As of this week, JN.1 represented only 0.2% of the total cases in the country, according to the latest data from the CDC. Novavax specializes in protein-based vaccines, which are not easily modified to address new virus strains. Nevertheless, the company asserts that its vaccine offers protection against various descendants of JN.1 that are currently prevalent in the U.S., including KP.2.3, KP.3, KP.3.1.1, and LB.1. "Our updated vaccine is designed to target JN.1, the foundational strain of the variants currently in circulation, and has demonstrated strong cross-reactivity against viruses from the JN.1 lineage," stated Novavax CEO John Jacobs. The company anticipates that its vaccine will be widely accessible at numerous locations throughout the U.S., including retail pharmacies, independent drugstores, and regional grocery chains. Following the announcement, Novavax's stock surged by over 8%. This decision from the FDA comes just a week after it approved a new series of messenger RNA vaccines from other manufacturers, which focus on a variant of JN.1 known as KP.2. Last year, Novavax's vaccine was authorized nearly a month after its competitors, placing it at a disadvantage. Health officials regard Novavax's vaccine as a significant alternative for individuals who prefer not to receive the mRNA vaccines from other manufacturers, which utilize a modern approach to instruct cells in producing proteins that elicit an immune response against Covid. In contrast, Novavax employs a traditional protein-based technology, a method that has been used for years in vaccines for diseases like hepatitis B and shingles. It remains uncertain how many individuals will opt for a new Covid vaccine this fall and winter. According to CDC data from early May, only about 22.5% of U.S. adults received the most recent round of vaccinations released last fall.