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 ending of the Community Vaccination Line, the authorization of the Novavax, and the state of COVID-19 in Maine.

COVID Communication:

Maine CDC Community Vaccination Line Ending

As of June 30th  the Maine CDC Community Vaccination Line will be ending after many months of excellent and dedicated service to Maine’s communities. Maine residents may still call the 211 number for support and for concerns regarding COVID-19.

COVID in the News:

State of COVID-19 in Maine

Cases within the state have decreased by 27% as of last week, with a slight increase in deaths. The state’s positivity rate currently hovering at about 9%. Though it is likely that cases are being underreported (due in part to home testing and general lack of reporting from home tests), most of has been Maine downgraded from the CDC’s red community transmission marker to green and yellow.

Novavax Receives Approval by FDA and Health Canada

A new vaccine has been authorized for emergency use in the United States, Novavax Nuvaxovid. This new option, which has been available in other countries for some time, provides many benefits logistically in that it offers another option for those who cannot or will not use the mRNA vaccines, and does not require the same intense cold storage that the mRNA vaccines require. This last point is a major boon towards vaccine equity efforts, as Novavax can be stored at regular refrigeration temperatures.

The vaccine itself is currently a two dose initial series with a booster six months out. The most common side effects were similar to those reported for the previous vaccines (sore arm, fatigue, headache, body aches) which resolved within a few days. No allergic reactions were reported, cases of myocarditis were reported but are still being investigated as it is unclear as to whether or not they were due to the vaccine.

There is no data as of yet for the Omicron subvariants, however prior to their appearance it showed a fantastic 90% efficacy, with Omicron specific versions of the vaccine being worked on presently.

Novavax is not currently authorized in the U.S. for use as a booster if you received a different vaccine, but is authorized for such use in Canada.

For a more in-depth report on Novavax and the science behind it, follow this link to a Dr. Elizabeth Marnik’s and Sabina Vohra-Miller’s full post.

Featured in the Field:

Dr. Lucky Tran

This week’s social media focus is on Lucky Tran, a scientist and organizer who specializes in issues of public health and climate science.

You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, and their website.

Thanks again everyone for checking in this week. Stay safe, and remember to take care of each other. ~ Nina

Nina Duggan is Healthy Acadia’s COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Project Coordinator. They share weekly updates about COVID-19 in the state of Maine and beyond, along with resources you may find useful on testing, vaccination, and best practices in preventative measures. 

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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.