OBJECTIVES: NVX-CoV2373 has demonstrated efficacy in preventing COVID-19, providing durable protection across primary and booster vaccinations, in people ≥12 years of age. In Germany, NVX-CoV2373, available since February 2022, is recommended by the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO), alternatively to mRNA vaccines. This real-world evidence study is the first to evaluate NVX-CoV2373 patient characteristics in Germany.

METHODS: We analyzed retrospective observational data from the IQVIA^TM Disease Analyzer database. Patients who received NVX-CoV2373 were identified; their demographic characteristics and underlying co-morbidities were assessed. Patients were categorized into STIKO risk groups (A) age >60-years, (B) underlying co-morbidities with risk of severe Covid-19, and (C) residents in care facilities defined by cognitive frailty.

RESULTS: Between March–December 2022, 597 patients (44% West Germany; 56% East Germany) received NVX-CoV2373 as primary series or booster, with 81% administered by General Practitioners. The remaining 19% of vaccinations were administered by specialists, most frequently Cardiologists 5%, Gynecologists 4% and Urologists 3%. Three hundred and forty-nine (58%) patients received NVX-CoV2373 primary series, with 83% vaccinated within 4 months of NVX-CoV2373 availability. Two hundred and forty-eight patients (42%) received NVX-CoV2373 booster, with 62% vaccinated from September–December. Mean (SD) age was 50.9 (16.7) years for primary series and 67.8 (16.5) years for booster. The majority of NVX-CoV2373 patients (68%, equally distributed among primary series and booster) fell within STIKO risk groups: (A) 46%; (B) 55%; (C) 3%. Within risk group (B), 66% patients had chronic neurological conditions, 38% had chronic intestinal diseases, 19% had chronic cardiovascular diseases and 18% had metabolic diseases (11% had diabetes).

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insights on characteristics of patients who received NVX-CoV2373 vaccination in Germany and may reflect a need for broader vaccine choice, for a non-mRNA option, in high-risk populations. This is in line with STIKO recommendation for strain-adapted vaccines for the autumn.