AQW 21150/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Health

To ask the Minister of Health what plans are being made to recognise the Novavax vaccine, used in trials, for the purposes of Vaccine Certification.

Asked by Paula Bradshaw MLA on 29 June 2021

  • Answered
  • Written
  • After due date
Tabled
29 June 2021
Answer due by
16 July 2021
Answered
17 November 2021141 days after tabling
Department
Department of Health
Priority question
No

Answer

The UK’s independent regulator of medicines and vaccines the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is the appropriate body to determine whether, based on risk-benefit grounds, a vaccine is safe and effective to use and so grant a licence.

It is acknowledged that the participation of individuals in clinical trials of vaccines was critical to the response to Covid 19 and their contribution has benefitted our society enormously.

Following JCVI advice, arrangements have been made for Novavax trial participants who wish to do so to receive an approved vaccine at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Advice and counselling will be provided and approximately 100 trial participants have already come forward to avail of this service.

Official sources