The trial, which started in late May, tested the vaccine in 106 subjects aged 18 to 59 versus a placebo. The Phase I study looked at the vaccine's safety and ability to induce immune responses.
The Novavax vaccine is among the first of a handful of programs singled out for US funding under Operation Warp Speed, the White House program to accelerate access to vaccines and treatments that can fight the virus. The US government in July agreed to pay Novavax $1.6 billion to help cover costs related to testing and manufacturing the vaccine, with the aim of procuring 100 million doses by January 2021.
Earlier this morning, Premier Berejiklian said she had received a request from NSW Police to look into whether masks should be compulsory for returning travellers, although the majority of people are currently wearing one. A 26-year-old female constable who was allegedly viciously attacked in Melbourne’s south-east by a woman who was approached for not wearing a mask is recovering from concussion.
She was also fined $200 for breaching coronavirus restrictions by not wearing a face mask or covering. She was released on bail and will face court in March next year.