COVID-19 News and Updates

Hello all,

Nina Duggan here with the latest COVID-19 news and updates.

This week we explore the best time to get vaccinated and debunk some popular pieces of misinformation currently circulating,

COVID Communication:

Reminder: Now is the Time to Get Vaccinated Against Flu and COVID-19

A common question our vaccine equity team has been receiving is whether or not now is the right time to get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19. Some are unsure as to whether or not they should wait to assure maximum coverage in the colder months.

The short answer is don’t wait, make sure to get your vaccinations as soon as possible. This year’s flu season began in July in the U.S., and with more powerful strains, is looking like it will be quite severe. This, combined, with the rise of new COVID variants and rising cases of RSV means that the more protection you can afford yourself and your communities the better. Both the COVID-19 bivalent vaccine and the flu vaccine can be administered during the same visit.

COVID in the News:

State of COVID-19 in Maine

COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and the number of individuals in ICU’s are down from two weeks ago, whereas deaths have risen significantly. Average case positivity is at 6.8% for the state. Hospitals are concerned about the incoming triple threat of COVID-19, a bad flu year, and the uptick in cases of RSV. In some parts of the country, hospitals are already seeing dwindling numbers of ICU beds. Health experts strongly recommend that everyone who is eligible to do so get their COVID-19 bivalent boosters and flu vaccines this year, along with following other health precautions like mask wearing, to help relieve the pressure of this looming threat for healthcare facilities.

Debunking Disinformation: COVID-19 Vaccines Do Not Cause RSV in Children

We are currently experiencing a surge in RSV cases, particularly in children. A false rumor attributing the increase in RSV to the mRNA vaccines has been largely due to the misrepresentation of data released during an FDA meeting in June of this year.

When examining the occurrence of respiratory diseases (other than COVID) in children, there is no significant difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated kids. Furthermore, vaccination rates in children under 5 years of age are very low (less than 10%), so it’s not the vaccine causing this surge.

Experts believe that a few factors are to blame for the uptick in RSV cases, including:

·       The fact that RSV is very common in young children

·       RSV is highly infectious and is easily transmitted through droplets and surfaces

·       People are beginning to loosen behavioral changes taken during the pandemic that helped to prevent disease

Links and Sources: For a full explanation of the RSV surge in children, see this well-written piece by Science Whiz Liz.

Debunking Disinformation: Mask Wearing Has Not Made Children’s Immune Systems Weaker

Another rumor that has been spreading this cold and flu season is that mask wearing has made children’s immune systems weaker and could be the cause of above-mentioned RSV surge. Masks do not weaken your immune system or increase your risk of catching COVID-19 or other diseases if you have been exposed. What does significantly weaken the immune system’s ability to respond, however, is repeat infections of COVID-19.

Each re-infection, rather than strengthening your immune system, does damage to your body and increases your chance of adverse outcomes. Subsequent infections increase the likelihood of breathing disorders, cardiovascular issues, neurological damage, gastrointestinal disorders, hospitalization, and death. Repeat vaccination does not have the same effect because it triggers an immune response without your body having ever actually contracted the virus.

Mask wearing (especially along with vaccination), helps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, and helps keep you safe from the worst COVID has to offer.

Links and Sources: Mask Mythbusters: Common Questions about Kids & Face Masks, Repeat COVID-19 Infections increase risk of organ failure and death,

Featured in the Field:

Vaccinate Your Family

Vaccinate Your Family is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 that works to raise awareness of the need for immunization, counter disinformation, and help to ensure access to vaccines.

They can be found on their website, Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube.

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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.