COVID-19 News and Updates
Hello all,
Nina Duggan here with the latest COVID-19 news and updates.
This week we will be discussing the COVID-19 resources still available through Healthy Acadia, the misinformation surrounding vaccine safety, and a brief look at a promising new nasal vaccine currently in clinical trials.
COVID Communication:
Update on Available Healthy Acadia Resources
Healthy Acadia is continuing to offer several resources to the residents of Hancock and Washington Counties free of charge. These resources are available through a partnership between Healthy Acadia and DHHS in order to offset some of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are continuing to provide N95 masks, rapid at-home antigen testing kits, and pulse oximeters for those who need them.
Click here to request N95 masks.
Click here to COVID-19 request testing kits.
Click here to request a pulse oximeter for your household.
COVID in the News:
State of COVID-19
Case positivity is has increased, hitting an average of 13% positivity across the state. Hospitalizations and ICU admissions have both increased in over the last two weeks, with deaths significantly decreasing.
As transmission is up in many areas across the state, public health experts are recommending that people continue with best COVID practices, wear quality well-fitting masks in public places, and make sure they are up to date on vaccinations (including and especially the bivalent booster).
Fact Check: Addressing Misinformation Around COVID-19 Vaccine Safety
There is a rumor circulating that COVID-19 vaccines are causing increased death rates. The actual data on the vaccines overwhelmingly show the opposite to be true. People who get the COVID-19 vaccines are significantly less likely to die from COVID-19 than unvaccinated individuals, and the vaccines themselves have proven again and again to be very safe.
In a recent post by Dr. Elizabeth Marnik, she highlights the data while addressing this inaccurate rumor (follow the link below to see the data and graphs in their entirety). In short, the data shows that the vaccines are not causing deaths, and unvaccinated people have higher all-cause mortality.
To see the full post, follow this link to Dr. Elizabeth Marnik’s social media post.
Nasal Spray COVID-19 Immunization Shows Promising Results in Clinical Trials
Researchers have been working on a COVID-19 nasal vaccine in the hope that it would provide better protection against the virus by protecting the body at the point where the virus first enters.
Results from the first clinical trial for this variety of vaccine in the U.S. are already showing very promising results. Early data from the trials show an 86% efficacy against symptomatic infections. Furthermore, the results show fewer side effects than with the injections, so far showing only a runny nose or no side effects at all. This technology would be a boon from an equity standpoint as well, offering a needle-free option for those who would wish to be vaccinated.
It is unclear precisely when this vaccine would be available, but the researchers hope to begin the next phase of clinical trials soon.
To read the full article, go to NBC news: Nasal COVID vaccine shows promise in early clinical trials.
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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.