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 under 5 year old vaccination more in depth.

COVID Communication:

MeCAP Event: Ask a Pediatrician

MeCAP will be hosting a special virtual event to discuss further questions regarding the under 5 yr old COVID-19 vaccine. This is following their last event in which participants requested a follow up in order to answer more questions brought by the community.

The event will take place on Thursday June 23rd, 6:00pm-7:00pm.

To register, follow this link.

COVID in the News:

State of COVID-19 in Maine

COVID numbers continue to decline in the state, with deaths holding at 3-4 per week. Experts still do not know what BA4 and BA5 will bring, but are hopeful with the potential for a variant specific booster this fall. Recommendations of good ventilation, testing, vaccination, and masking when the situation demands (i.e. indoors, in crowded situations, etc.) stand.

6 mos-5 yrs COVID Vaccine Deeper Dive

With the recent FDA authorization of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines in children 6 mos and older for emergency use, we will be continuing discussion about the upcoming vaccine for the youngest age group yet. Dr. Elizabeth Marnik, the CDC, and the FDA answered some of the most common questions parents had regarding vaccination for their children. You can view the full post through the link below.

Summarizing questions raised, most of the information comes down to the fact that even though kids are at a lower risk from death and complications due to COVID than adults, that does not mean they can’t get very sick. During the Omicron surge this past winter, the 6 mos-4yr age group made up the highest population of hospitalized individuals in everyone under 18 years of age, further having the highest rate of ICU admission and mechanical ventilation. Lastly, they had a higher rate of death compared to other vaccine preventable diseases, with COVID coming in as the 5th leading cause of death for that age group. Less than half of the kids in that age group had an underlying medical condition.

Even if your child has already had COVID, it is important to get them vaccinated. Not only does the vaccine create a stronger immune response, but not all children make antibodies against COVID-19 after an infection. The data shows that between 36%-65% of children do not make antibodies after being infected (versus roughly 25% of adults who do not make antibodies after infection alone).

Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines proved to be very effective in the trials, producing roughly the same antibody levels as shown in young adults, and had an excellent safety profile with no severe related side effects.

For more information, speak with your pediatrician. For further reading and data, see the full post by Dr. Elizabeth Marnik here.

Featured in the Field:

Zachary Rubin, MD

Bringing hula hoops and brightly colored bow ties, Dr. Zachary Rubin maintains an entertaining and informative social media presence, creating up to date content on COVID-19.

You can find him on Instagram and Twitter.

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.