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NUVAXOVID® is the only protein-based, non-mRNA vaccine in Canada*
NUVAXOVID® is a protein-based, COVID-19 vaccine that does not contain mRNA. It is used to help prevent COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus in individuals aged 12 years and older.
NUVAXOVID® at a glance
What is NUVAXOVID®
A protein-based, COVID-19 vaccine that does not contain mRNA.
Who it is for
Individuals 12 years of age and older.
What makes it different
The only protein-based, non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in Canada.*
What to do next
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about whether NUVAXOVID® may be right for you.
What is NUVAXOVID®?
NUVAXOVID® has the power to help protect against COVID-19
NUVAXOVID® is a protein-based, COVID-19 vaccine that does not contain mRNA. It is used to help prevent COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus in individuals aged 12 years and older.
NUVAXOVID® is the only protein-based, non-mRNA vaccine in Canada*
How does NUVAXOVID® work?
NUVAXOVID® causes the immune system (the body’s natural defenses) to produce antibodies and specialized white blood cells that work against the virus, to give protection against COVID-19.
Protein-based vaccines use a purified recombinant protein to help our bodies protect against the virus. The addition of the Matrix-M adjuvant helps activate the immune system, which enhances the magnitude of the vaccine-specific response to the purified recombinant spike protein, which may contribute to protection against COVID-19.
Can NUVAXOVID® cause COVID-19?
No, you or your child cannot get COVID-19 from NUVAXOVID®.
As with any vaccine, NUVAXOVID® may not fully protect all those who receive it.
What are the possible side effects of NUVAXOVID®?
Like all vaccines, NUVAXOVID® can cause side effects. Most side effects of NUVAXOVID® are mild and do not last long
Common or very common side effects may include:
- Headache,
- Feeling sick (nausea) or getting sick (vomiting),
- Muscle ache,
- Joint pain,
- Tenderness or pain where the injection is given,
- Feeling very tired (fatigue),
- Generally feeling unwell (malaise),
- Redness where the injection is given,
- Swelling where the injection is given,
- Fever (above 38°c),
- Pain or discomfort in the arm, hand, leg and/or foot (pain in the extremity).
Other side effects have also been reported
Non-severe and severe allergic reactions, hypoaesthesia (decreased sense of touch or sensation, numbness), and paraesthesia (tingling, itching or pricking sensation) have also been reported.
Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart) have been reported following NUVAXOVID® (Original, Wuhan strain) administration.
These are not all the possible side effects you/your child may have when taking NUVAXOVID®.
To find out if NUVAXOVID® is right for you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions about NUVAXOVID®
NUVAXOVID® is the only protein-based, non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in Canada. It is used to help prevent COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus in individuals 12 years of age and older.
NUVAXOVID® causes your immune system to produce antibodies and specialized white blood cells that work against the virus that causes COVID-19. It does this using a purified recombinant protein to help your body protect against the virus.
No. You or your child cannot get COVID-19 from NUVAXOVID®.
NUVAXOVID® can be given to individuals 12 years of age and older. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about whether NUVAXOVID® may be right for you.
Like all vaccines, NUVAXOVID® can cause side effects. Most side effects are mild and do not last long.
The following are common or very common side effects of NUVAXOVID®: headache, feeling sick (nausea) or getting sick (vomiting), muscle ache, joint pain, tenderness or pain where the injection is given, feeling very tired (fatigue), generally feeling unwell (malaise), redness where the injection is given, swelling where the injection is given, fever (above 38°C), and pain or discomfort in the arm, hand, leg and/or foot (pain in the extremity).
For complete information about possible side effects, read the Patient Medication Information leaflet.
NUVAXOVID® may be publicly funded in your province or territory. It may also be available through private pharmacies and clinics. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is available in your area.
Use our Find a Clinic feature and talk to your healthcare provider about NUVAXOVID®
Read the NUVAXOVID® Patient Medication Information leaflet or speak with a doctor or pharmacist.
NUVAXOVID® is a protein-based vaccine used to help prevent the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can be given to individuals aged 12 years and older.
Do not use NUVAXOVID® if: You/your child are allergic to the active substance or any of the other ingredients of this vaccine; you/your child have had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of NUVAXOVID®; you/your child currently have symptoms that could be due to COVID-19.
As with any vaccine, NUVAXOVID® may not fully protect all those who receive it.
Like all vaccines, NUVAXOVID® can cause side effects. Common or very common side effects of NUVAXOVID® are headache, feeling sick (nausea) or getting sick (vomiting), muscle ache, joint pain, tenderness or pain where the injection is given , feeling very tired (fatigue), generally feeling unwell (malaise), redness where the injection is given, swelling where the injection is given, fever (>38°C), pain or discomfort in the arm, hand, leg and/or foot (pain in the extremity). Most of these side effects are mild and do not last long.
Talk to your healthcare provider to see if NUVAXOVID® is right for you. For more information, visit www.sanofi.com/en/canada.
*Comparative clinical significance is unknown.
Source: NUVAXOVID® Product Monograph, Sanofi Vaccines Canada Ltd., March 6, 2026.
Last reviewed: September 8, 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This website provides general information and is not a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. Speak with a healthcare professional about your individual health needs and COVID-19 vaccination options.
NUVAXOVID® is a registered trademark of Sanofi Group.
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