Key Takeaways Novavax received Food and Drug Administration approval for its new, protein-based COVID-19 vaccine.The shot, Nuvaxovid, is designed for older adults and those between the ages of 12 and 64 who have underlying conditions that puts them at higher risk from the disease.

Novavax Inc. jumped as US regulators fully approved its Covid vaccine, easing investors’ concerns after the clearance was delayed and US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raised doubts about its efficacy.

Novavax originally showed its vaccine was safe and effective in a 30,000-person clinical trial. The FDA had been on track to grant Novavax full approval – without restrictions -- by its April 1 target date, according to two people with direct knowledge of the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential agency matters.