Despite the ongoing cycles of COVID-19 variants continuing to affect Canadians, and contributing to disability via Long COVID, the only vaccines currently available against COVID-19 infection severity are MRNA vaccines, which, while well tolerated by the majority of people, aren't well tolerated by a significant portion of the population who are immune compromised, who have immune challenges due to chronic health factors, and those with allergies, and/or autoimmune conditions.

The lack of safe, alternative vaccines is a pressing concern for countless Canadians who face chronic and complex health conditions. We urge the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), and Health Canada to provide access to the NovaVax COVID-19 vaccine, an effective and well tolerated option for those who cannot safely receive MRNA vaccines.  We also urge more effective campaigning, as many Canadians were unaware of the availability of the NovaVax previously, as it was not advertized widely, and this contributed to lower uptake.

After Health Canada, PSPC and NACI removed access to the NovaVax last year, many Canadians had, at their own expense, traveled to the United States to obtain it. However, this may no longer be an option, given the current NovaVax unavailability in the States, the recent restrictions on vaccine access enacted by Robert Kennedy to those over 65 and with certain qualifying health conditions, even when it will again be available there, and the fact that the political climate between Canada and the US has changed significantly with the recent changes in leadership. To be able to effectively keep our "Elbows Up," both politically and immunologically, we need access to proper healthcare that fits the needs of all Canadians, so we can together be Canada Strong.

There are thousands of people in Canada who are immunocompromised, allergic, or have sensitivities to the components in MRNA vaccines, leaving them at risk of contracting COVID-19 with fewer protective options. NovaVax, which is a protein-based vaccine, has been previously approved in Canada and various other countries, and has shown comparable efficacy in preventing COVID-19, with fewer reported side effects for those with existing sensitivities.

In a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine, NovaVax demonstrated an overall efficacy of 90.4% in preventing mild, moderate, and severe disease, providing a crucial lifeline for people seeking alternatives to MRNA-based options. Its availability in Canada would also increase the overall vaccination rate, aiding in the fight against the pandemic.

A more recent update includes studies summarized in this "X" post, showing that NovaVax actually shows INCREASED immunity over the other vaccines (thanks to  Epidemiologist @Daniel_E_Park): <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">New study: Durability of protection with Novavax is similar or potentially better compared with Pfizer up to 180 days. <br>Study from Korea with around two million doses of NVX-CoV2373 and BNT162b2 <a href="https://t.co/lba9rTcVr9">pic.twitter.com/lba9rTcVr9</a></p>&mdash; Daniel Park (@Daniel_E_Park) <a href="https://twitter.com/Daniel_E_Park/status/1946978478688972869?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
See also https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.25.25334392v1.full

Access to a broader range of vaccine options is not just a matter of personal choice, but a necessary health requirement. By approving and distributing NovaVax, PSPC, NACI and Health Canada would acknowledge and address the needs of a diverse population, ensuring equitable vaccine coverage and protection for every Canadian citizen.

Please join me in calling on NACI, PSPC, and Health Canada to approve the distribution of the NovaVax COVID-19 vaccine in Canada. It is both a public health necessity and a step towards ensuring inclusive healthcare for all. Sign the petition today to advocate for those who need different options to stay protected against COVID-19. Together, we can push for access to the vaccines we all need in order to live safely and healthily, and thereby protect the health and well-being of the general population.