COVID-19 is a serious disease caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). COVID-19 is spread from person to person through the air.

COVID-19 can affect your lungs or other organs. Symptoms may be mild or serious and include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, tiredness, body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, runny or stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized emergency use of this vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is for use in people who are at least 12 years old.

COVID-19 vaccine does not contain coronavirus and cannot give you COVID-19. This vaccine will not treat an active COVID-19 infection.

Like any vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine may not provide protection in every person.

You should not receive this vaccine if you've ever had an allergic reaction to a Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.

Your healthcare provider will determine whether any reaction you have would prevent you from safely getting the second dose.

If you are infected with COVID-19, are waiting for testing results, or are exposed to someone infected with COVID-19: You may not be able to receive this vaccine until you have no symptoms and/or your required quarantine period has ended. Receiving this vaccine will not make you less contagious to other people if you are infected with COVID-19 but you have no symptoms.

Ask your doctor if you are unsure about any COVID-19 treatments you received.

Tell your vaccination provider if:

• you have a fever;
• you have any allergies;
• you have bleeding problems, or if you use a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
• have had pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside of the heart) or myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle);
• you have a weak immune system caused by disease or by using certain medicine;
• you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding;
• you've received any other COVID-19 vaccine; or
• have ever fainted when or after receiving an injection.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of this vaccine on the baby.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Use Covid-19 Vaccine, Novavax (2023-2024) (Intramuscular) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching, confusion, dizziness, fainting, vomiting, diarrhea, fast heartbeats, wheezing, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

An allergic reaction is more likely to occur within 30 minutes after you receive the vaccine. You will be treated quickly if you have a reaction.

You should not receive another dose if the first shot caused an allergic reaction. Your healthcare provider will determine if you can safely receive the second dose.

Becoming infected with COVID-19 is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. Serious side effects other than an allergic reaction may include:

• chest pain, shortness of breath, fast or pounding heartbeats.

Fever may be a normal symptom as your body begins to develop immunity to COVID-19. However, you should call your doctor right away if you have any side effects that concern you.

Common side effects may include:

• fever, chills, swollen glands;
• pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given;
• nausea, vomiting, not feeling well;
• feeling tired; or
• headache, muscle pain, joint pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

You may also use a smartphone-based program called V-safe to communicate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about any health problems you have after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine: www.cdc.gov/vsafe.

Avoid receiving other vaccines without first seeking medical advice.