COVID-19 News and Updates
Hello all,
Nina Duggan here with the latest COVID-19 news and updates.This week we will be discussing where to get the new bivalent booster, the low levels of vaccination with the new booster, and whether or not we will see a winter wave of the virus.
COVID Communication:
Where Do I Get My Bivalent Booster?
The newly updated bivalent booster is now widely available at hospital clinics and major pharmacies across the U.S., including Walgreens, CVS, and Hannaford pharmacies. Many local pharmacies have also begun carrying the new vaccine.
To find a clinic near you, access the vaccination site locator at Vaccines.gov
COVID in the News:
State of COVID-19 in Maine
Cases have increased in Maine by about 7% over the past two weeks, with hospitalizations increasing by 29%. Case positivity hovers at about 10%. Deaths over the past two weeks have decreased by about 40% across the state.
U.S. Reports Low Levels of Vaccination of the New Bivalent Booster
According to data released by the CDC in late September, rates of vaccination with the new bivalent booster are disappointingly low. Less than 4% and of people eligible for the new booster have gotten the vaccine. Experts blame this low rate on the prevailing narrative that the pandemic is ending, vaccine hesitancy, and a lack of public awareness about the shots. The booster coming out at the same time that president Biden stated that the pandemic is over has sent a “huge mixed message” to the public (a statement that received much criticism from scientists and healthcare professionals).
This new booster represents a huge step forward in keeping pace with the COVID-19 pandemic, experts calling it the “first time since December 2020 we have caught up with the virus”.
Take-aways on Bivalent Booster eligibility:
· Everyone 12 years and older who is at least two months past their last COVID shot
· The Pfizer booster is available to everyone ages 12 and up
· Moderna is available to everyone 18 and up
· Mixing and matching Pfizer and Moderna with the new bivalent booster is still ok
· Those who recently got COVID should wait until acute illness has passed, and can consider waiting three months after they first tested positive to receive the booster
Experts Weigh-In on Winter Flu and COVID Waves
As weather gets colder throughout much of the northern U.S. questions have been mounting as to whether or not we will see another surge of COVID-19 cases this fall and winter. Due to the new strains, low-levels of vaccination with the new bivalent booster, and behavior changes as people try to move back to normal “post-pandemic” experts believe this is likely the case. In addition to COVID, scientists also believe that we will see a more intense flu season this year.
The best defense we have against severe disease with both illnesses remains the vaccines, particularly the year flu shot and the updated COVID booster. These two vaccines can be administered at the same time, with doctors recommending that people receive them as soon as available.
Links and Sources: Nature “Will there be a COVID winter wave? What scientists say”, NBC “Less than 4% of eligible people have gotten updated COVID booster shots”, NYT “Tracking Coronavirus in Maine: Latest Map and Case Count”
Featured in the Field:
Maine Youth Action Network
The Maine Youth Action Network or MYAN has many initiatives for positive change across the state, including initiatives around COVID-19. Healthy Acadia’s own youth intern team presented on COVID-19 at their conference in 2021.
You can find them on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on their website.
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If you or anyone you know have questions or concerns about COVID-19 or the available vaccines please call or text our COVID-19 Peer Support Line at 207-271-6023, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.