Novavax

This is a recombinant protein subunit vaccine. The active ingredient is a recombinant version of the spike protein. Because the active ingredient is just the spike protein (not the whole virus), you cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine. 

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The active ingredient (recombinant spike protein) is produced using a viral vector. The genetic information to make the spike protein is inserted into the genome of baculovirus, which is a kind of virus that infects insects but is harmless to humans. Then, the baculovirus (with genetic information to make the spike protein) is used to infect cells from Spodoptera frugiperda, which is a type of moth. As the baculovirus replicates in the moth cells, it makes the spike protein, which is purified and used as the active ingredient. 

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This vaccine also contains an adjuvant called Matrix-M, which contains saponin extracts from the soapbark tree, Quillaja saponaria Molina. Saponins are a type of compound found in foods such as legumes (peanuts, beans, etc.). Saponins from the soapbark tree have also been shown to have anti-cancer effects.

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This vaccine does not contain preservatives, eggs, polyethylene glycol, or aluminum.