The number of Covid vaccines available in Luxembourg increased this week, as vaccination centres began offering the Novavax jab. However, the number of people receiving their first dose is currently stagnant.

This additional supply may not have much effect on the vaccination rate. Nuvaxovid, developed by Novavax, is a protein-based vaccine, which is based on conventional technology. It was thought the new vaccine might address those who felt sceptical about the existing vaccines on offer in Luxembourg.

The main difference compared to mRNA vaccines is that the spike protein is lab-produced in the laboratory, explained Dr Thomas Dentzer, virologist at the Ministry of Health. This is then injected with the Novavax vaccine. The body is thus stimulated to produce antibodies. "The mRNA vaccine, on the other hand, gives us the manufacturing blueprint and then our cells make the spike protein, so our body can react to it," he told RTL.

Like other Covid vaccines, Nuxaxovid is based on the Wuhan variant, rendering it as effective as the other vaccines on offer in Luxembourg, said Dr Dentzer.

Novavax is authorised for adults aged 18 and over in Luxembourg, with the exception of pregnant women as there is insufficient data. For logistical reasons, the vaccine is currently only available in the three vaccine centres : LuxExpo, Ettelbruck and Esch-Belval.

Just one vaccine centre in future?

Luc Feller, High Commissioner for National Protection, told RTL he does not believe that Nuvaxovid will have a big impact on the vaccination rate. Of the 150 people who received a first dose on Tuesday at the three vaccination centres, just 42 specifically requested the new vaccine. However, primary vaccinations in general are currently stagnating.

The rush to the vaccine centres has dropped considerably. The LuxExpo in Kirchberg was virtually empty on Wednesday afternoon, while the situation was not dissimilar in Ettelbruck and Esch-Alzette, according to Feller. As a result, there could soon be just one vaccine centre open in the Grand Duchy.

Vaccines will still be administered at GP practices and, since Saturday, in some pharmacies. The pop-up vaccination centres will also persevere, to ensure ease of access to those who require the jab.

The LuxExpo site is due to close this weekend as operations will be transferred to the Victor Hugo Hall in Limpertsberg, which will have extended opening hours to allow people to come by after work.

Further details on the vaccination centres are available on www.impfen.lu .

RTL report in Luxembourgish: