- Novavax launches Choose to Protect™ campaign to educate
public about importance of updated COVID-19 vaccination
- Recent survey finds that 70% of Canadians believe in the
value of COVID-19 vaccination; 74% want to select the COVID-19
vaccine they receive
GAITHERSBURG, Md., Dec. 13,
2023 /CNW/ -- Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX), a global
company advancing protein-based vaccines with its Matrix-M™
adjuvant, today announced the launch of Choose to Protect™,
a campaign to educate the public about the importance of COVID-19
vaccination and COVID-19 vaccines. Since 2020, COVID-19 has become
one of the leading causes of death in Canada.i,ii The campaign will
feature resources in both English and French.
As part of the campaign, Novavax partnered with market research
firm Leger to conduct a survey of 1,548 Canadians aged 18 and
older to understand their views on COVID-19 vaccination, what
motivates them to get vaccinated and what knowledge gaps exist.
"At Novavax, we are committed to supporting Canadians as they
navigate how best to protect themselves and their families against
the potential impact of COVID-19, especially leading into the
holiday season," said Andrew Boston,
Canada Country Director, Novavax. "COVID-19 vaccine fatigue remains
a major obstacle in maintaining immunity and keeping vaccination
rates high. We encourage people to recognize the importance of
making a plan to help protect their loved ones and to speak with
their healthcare provider about available vaccine options."
"COVID-19 continues to take a significant toll on the wellbeing
of Canadians," says Dr. Angel Chu*,
an infectious diseases physician and clinical assistant professor
at the University of Calgary's
department of medicine. "Vaccination is a critical tool in our
fight against the impact of this infection. The more Canadians
understand about COVID-19, strategies to protect themselves and the
options available, the more informed choices they can make for
themselves, and their loved ones."
Key findings from the survey include:
70% of Canadians surveyed believe receiving a COVID-19
vaccine is one of the best strategies to help protect loved ones
and others around them from COVID-19.
- Four out of five Canadians suggest that their ability to spend
time with family (84%), the health of their community (81%) and/or
being able to engage in social activities (77%) is important when
deciding to get vaccinated.
- Half of Canadians (53%) say that the COVID-19 pandemic has
changed their mindset about vaccines from something that is a
nice-to-have to something that is a must-do.
74% of Canadians surveyed say they want to be able to select
the COVID-19 vaccine that they receive.
- 57% of Canadians report that they do their own research online
about vaccine options.
- When assessing vaccine options, one third of Canadians (33%)
believe the protection offered by a vaccine is the most important
factor when selecting a vaccine; three in five rank it in their top
three (62%).
- 32% of Canadians identify the recommendation of a healthcare
professional in the top three things that are most important when
selecting a vaccine.
To learn more about the Choose to Protect campaign, COVID
vaccination, and the options available, visit
ca.choosetoprotect.com. Vaccine recipients have reported side
effects, including mild or moderate side effects. Vaccine
effectiveness varies and is not the same in every individual.
Canadians are encouraged to talk to their healthcare provider to
answer any questions or health-related concerns.
About the Choose to Protect Survey
The
Choose to Protect survey was conducted online in
Canada by Leger on behalf of
Novavax in Canada. The survey was
conducted between October 13 and October 15,
2023 among 1,548 Canadians aged 18+, using Leger's online
panel. No margin of error can be associated with a non-probability
sample (i.e., a web panel in this case). For comparative purposes,
though, a probability sample of 1548 respondents would have a
margin of error of ±2.5%, 19 times out of 20.
About Novavax
Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) promotes
improved health by discovering, developing and commercializing
innovative vaccines to help protect against serious infectious
diseases. Novavax, a global company based in Gaithersburg, Md., U.S., offers a
differentiated vaccine platform that combines a recombinant protein
approach, innovative nanoparticle technology and Novavax's patented
Matrix-M adjuvant to enhance the immune response. Focused on the
world's most urgent health challenges, Novavax is currently
evaluating vaccines for COVID-19, influenza and COVID-19 and
influenza combined. Please visit novavax.com and
LinkedIn for more information.
Contacts
Investors
Erika Schultz
240-268-2022
ir@novavax.com
Media
Ali Chartan
240-720-7804
media@novavax.com
References
i Government of Canada. COVID-19: Longer-term symptoms among
Canadian adults – Second report. Accessed October 26, 2023.
https://health-infobase.canada.ca/covid-19/post-covid-condition/spring-2023-report.html?wbdisable=true
ii Statistics Canada.
Deaths, 2021. Accessed October 26,
2023
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/230828/dq230828b-eng.htm
*Dr. Angel Chu is a paid partner
for Novavax.
SOURCE NOVAVAX, INC