Medicago Covifenz COVID-19 vaccine
All COVID-19 vaccines authorized in Canada are proven safe, effective and of high quality.
Name: Medicago Covifenz® COVID-19 vaccine
Manufacturer: Medicago Inc.
Type: plant based virus-like particle
Status: Cancelled by sponsor
Was approved for: Age 18 and older
How it was given: Injection in muscle (usually the upper arm)
Number of doses: 2 doses
On this page
- Who the vaccine was approved for
- Effectiveness
- Dosage
- Vaccine ingredients
- Possible side effects
- Vaccine review, approval and monitoring
- Get vaccinated
Who the vaccine was approved for
The vaccine was approved for people who are 18 years of age and older. Its safety and effectiveness in people younger than 18 years of age have not yet been established.
Effectiveness
Clinical trials showed that beginning 1 week after the second dose, Medicago Covifenz® COVID-19 vaccine was:
- 71% effective in protecting trial participants aged 18 to 64 against COVID-19.
- Effectiveness data supporting the authorization in the 65 years and older population is based on a comparison of immune responses in this age group to individuals aged 18 to 64 years. The data determined that the immune response to the vaccine for the 65 and older age group was comparable to the immune response of the 18 to 64 age group.
Dosage
Medicago cancelled their authorization on March 31, 2023. The information below was accurate when the product was authorized in Canada.
The dosing schedule approved by Health Canada is to give 2 doses 21 days apart, based on evidence from clinical trials. Each dose contains 3.75 micrograms of virus-like particles (VLP) of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein (original strain) and 0.25 millilitres of the AS03 adjuvant.
Your province or territory decides when people receive their doses of the vaccine.
These decisions are based on public health recommendations and the latest evidence.
Vaccine ingredients
Medicinal ingredient
- Plant-based virus-like particles (VLP) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (original strain)
Other ingredients
- potassium phosphate monobasic anhydrous
- sodium chloride
- sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous
- water for injection
- AS03 Adjuvant (manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline):
- DL-alpha-tocopherol
- squalene
- polysorbate 80
- phosphate buffered saline
May contain trace amounts of polyethylene glycol, kanamycin and carbenicillin
Possible side effects
After getting vaccinated, it’s common to have temporary side effects. These can last a few hours to a few days after vaccination.
This is the body’s natural response, as it’s working hard to build protection against the disease.
Common vaccine side effects may include:
| Symptoms at the injection site, such as: | More general symptoms, such as: |
|---|---|
|
|
A severe allergic (anaphylaxis) reaction is rare. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:
- hives (bumps on the skin that are often very itchy)
- swelling of the lips, face, tongue or airway
- difficulty breathing
- increased heart rate
- loss of consciousness
- sudden low blood pressure
- abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea
Call emergency services if you develop or witness any serious symptoms that could be an allergic reaction after vaccination.
Reporting a possible serious reaction
Contact your health care provider if you experience:
- a side effect following vaccination with a COVID-19 vaccine
- any persistent, new or worsening symptoms
Health care providers must report possible reactions following vaccination to their local public health authority. The public health authority then reports them to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Reported allergic reactions and side effects to COVID-19 vaccines are published weekly in our Reported side effects following COVID-19 vaccination report.
Vaccine review, approval and monitoring
Health Canada’s independent drug review process is recognized around the world for its high standards and rigor. Our decisions are based only on scientific and medical evidence showing that vaccines are safe and effective. The benefits must also outweigh any risks.
The Medicago Covifenz® COVID-19 vaccine was authorized on February 24, 2022, for use in Canada under the Food and Drug Regulations. The sponsor cancelled the authorization on March 31, 2023.
Find detailed technical information such as the product monograph and the regulatory decision summary:
As COVID-19 vaccines are administered across Canada, our safety monitoring is ongoing. The Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada, and provincial and territorial health authorities continue to:
- monitor the use of all COVID-19 vaccines closely
- examine and assess any new safety concerns
Learn about the side effects we're currently monitoring.
Get vaccinated
How to get vaccinated near you