Novavax's Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Reaches Major Retailers Including Costco and Thousands of U.S. Pharmacies

Novavax’s 2024-2025 Formula COVID-19 vaccine has arrived at pharmacy retailers nationwide, marking the company’s expanded distribution strategy for the 2024-2025 vaccination season. The protein-based vaccine (NVX-CoV2705) is now stocked at a significantly increased number of locations compared to the previous year, with availability at major chains including Costco, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Publix, Sam’s Club, Kroger, and Meijer, alongside hundreds of regional grocers and thousands of independent pharmacy locations.

Why This Vaccine Stands Out

The Novavax formula distinguishes itself as the sole protein-based COVID-19 vaccine option available across the U.S. market this fall for individuals aged 12 and older. This matters because protein-based vaccines offer an alternative to mRNA technology, utilizing a different approach to stimulate immune response. The vaccine received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA on August 30, 2024.

The 2024-2025 formulation targets the JN.1 variant strain and has shown cross-reactivity against descendant variants including KP.2.3, KP.3, KP.3.1.1, and LB.1.1. Novavax paired this updated formulation with a pre-filled syringe presentation, addressing accessibility concerns and streamlining the vaccination process at retail locations like Costco and community pharmacies.

How the Vaccine Works

The Novavax approach relies on recombinant nanoparticle technology. The vaccine contains copies of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which acts as an antigen priming the immune system to recognize the virus. The formula incorporates Novavax’s Matrix-M adjuvant—a patented saponin-based enhancer that strengthens and broadens immune response by stimulating antigen-presenting cells at the injection site.

Unlike traditional cold chain vaccines requiring ultra-cold storage, Novavax’s liquid formulation maintains stability at standard refrigeration temperatures (2° to 8°C), enabling existing vaccine supply chains and cold storage infrastructure to be utilized efficiently.

Distribution Expansion and Accessibility

The dramatic increase in stocking locations reflects Novavax’s commitment to simplified consumer access. By more than doubling retail locations from the previous season, the company aims to bring vaccination options closer to communities. Costco and other major warehouse retailers, combined with traditional pharmacy networks, create multiple access points for eligible individuals seeking protein-based vaccination alternatives.

Consumers can locate nearby vaccination sites through the company’s dedicated website, which provides real-time availability information across participating retailers.

Important Safety and Medical Information

Contraindications and Warnings

The vaccine should not be administered to individuals with documented severe allergic reactions to any vaccine component. Medical facilities must have appropriate treatment immediately available to manage potential anaphylactic reactions.

Clinical data indicate increased risks of myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation) and pericarditis (heart lining inflammation) following administration. Syncope (fainting) may occur with injectable vaccines, necessitating safeguards to prevent injury. Immunocompromised individuals may experience diminished immune response.

Reported Adverse Reactions

Solicited adverse reactions observed in clinical data include injection site pain and tenderness, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, joint pain, nausea or vomiting, injection site redness and swelling, and fever. Severe reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at vaers.varicella.com or 1-800-822-7967.

Vaccine Effectiveness Limitations

The vaccine may not provide protection to all recipients, particularly those with compromised immune systems or receiving immunosuppressive therapy.

Regulatory Status

The Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted (2024-2025 Formula) maintains Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA for active immunization in individuals 12 years and older. This authorization remains effective for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration, unless revoked earlier. The vaccine has not undergone full FDA approval but meets requirements for emergency use authorization.

About Novavax and Matrix-M Technology

Novavax develops protein-based vaccines using recombinant nanoparticle technology combined with its proprietary Matrix-M adjuvant. This platform differs fundamentally from mRNA vaccine approaches, offering an alternative immune-stimulation pathway. The company’s pipeline includes combined influenza-COVID-19 formulations and other infectious disease vaccines. Matrix-M adjuvant is also incorporated into the University of Oxford and Serum Institute of India’s R21 malaria vaccine, demonstrating broader application of the technology.

Individuals aged 12 and older can locate available doses at Costco, community pharmacies, and other participating retailers using the company’s vaccine locator service.