Novavax: Protein vaccine works for kids 12-17

Novavax announced that its COVID-19 vaccine proved safe and effective in a study of 12- to 17-year-olds. Novavax makes a protein-based vaccine - a different type than the most widely used shots that's been cleared for use in adults by regulators in Britain, Europe and elsewhere and by the World Health Organization.

Novavax plans to soon seek expanded use of its shots down to age 12 and, later this year, begin testing in younger children. The newest study enrolled 2,247 U.S. kids aged 12 to 17 last summer and found the two-dose vaccine was 80% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection. In June, Maryland-based Novavax announced its vaccine was about 90% effective against symptomatic COVID-19 in a study of nearly 30,000 people in the U.S. and Mexico.