Yes. The Novavax vaccine uses a spike protein instead of mRNA to activate the immune system. Protein subunit vaccines have been used for diseases like hepatitis, whooping cough, shingles, and the flu.
The Novavax vaccine is authorized for emergency use for people 12 and older.
Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine does not use mRNA and instead is known as a viral vector vaccine. Viral vector vaccines have been around since the 1970s and contain a modified, harmless version of a virus — one that cannot reproduce or cause an infection — which allows the body to have an immune response and prepare for an actual infection.
However, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is authorized for limited use only – for adults 18 or over who cannot or will not receive any other type of COVID vaccine. If you are considering a Johnson & Johnson vaccine, please consult with your doctor to determine if this is a good choice for you.
SOURCE: https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/covid-19-vaccine-comparison (Yale Medicine)
Updated 12/12/2022
