New type of COVID-19 vaccine to be available in B.C. in the 'next few days'; plant-based shot to come

A new type of COVID-19 vaccine will be available soon in British Columbia, according to the province's top doctor.

A new type of COVID-19 vaccine will be available soon in British Columbia, according to the province's top doctor.

The protein-subunit vaccine Novavax Nuvaxoid will be delivered "in the next few days."

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said in February that the shot would be an option in B.C. at some point, but in a news conference Tuesday she gave a better idea of timeframe.

Protein-subunit vaccines are described by Health Canada as containing "harmless and purified pieces (proteins) of the virus, which have been specifically selected for their ability to trigger immunity."

These types of vaccines are already used in Canada, with one example being the shot for hepatitis B.

Federal health officials say these protein pieces are incapable of actually causing the disease, and that the technology to make these types of shots is "well established."

Only vaccines that meet Canadian standards for safety, effectiveness and quality will be approved for use in the country.