COVID-19 News and Updates
Hello all,
Nina Duggan here with the latest COVID-19 news and updates. This week we will be discussing Healthy Acadia’s available COVID resources, other resources for affordable testing kits, and some common questions on the bivalent booster.
COVID Communication:
American Medical Associations Explains the Bivalent Booster
As the rollout of the new bivalent booster continues, many questions have arisen about hat the booster entails. Who is eligible? Should you get boosted if you have already had COVID-19? Can I get the COVID booster and flu shot at the same time?
The American Medical Association (AMA) has weighed in with answers to some of the most common questions patients have posed to physicians regarding the new vaccine.
AMA public health PSA is available here in written and podcast form.
COVID in the News:
State of COVID-19 in Maine
COVID case counts have risen across the state by about 32% over the past two weeks, with test positivity hovering at around 9%. The number of patients in the ICU has increased by 46%, whereas deaths have decreased by 82%. Masking is still encouraged, especially as people head back to school and inside for the cooler fall months.
On Monday, September 26, 2022, Maine's Department of Health and Human Services announced that it is expanding access to COVID-19 tests. Maine residents can order a free pack of five COVID tests every month through the website AccessCovidTests.org.
Healthy Acadia Extending Free N95 Distribution Program and Free COVID Testing Kit Program
Healthy Acadia is continuing to provide N95 masks and COVID test kits, at no charge, to residents of Hancock County and Washington County. To request N95 masks please follow this link to the request form. For testing kits, please follow this link to the test request form.
For any assistance with an order or filling out a form, please call our vaccine equity team at 207-271-6023, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where Else Can I Find Affordable COVID Test Kits?
As it stands, the federal program providing free COVID tests from the government ended at the beginning of September due to a lack of Congressional funding. At the moment, many health insurance providers cover up to eight free tests per plan member per month. Whether you are insured or not, there are other ways to acquire COVID testing kits at low or no cost.
For those without insurance:
· HHS has partnered with certain pharmacies and retail companies to provide lower-cost testing kits to the community, their partners can be found here.
· Some pharmacies and community health centers participate in the Test to Treat Paxlovid program launched in 2022. Specifically with this program, if you are high-risk and test positive, you can get faster treatment. To find a location near you, follow this link.
· Residents of Hancock County and Washington County Maine may receive testing kits from Healthy Acadia (see above for details).
For those with insurance:
· Use your health insurance card at a local pharmacy or retailer selling testing kits to acquire the requisite eight free testing kits per plan member per month.
· Those on Medicare Part B are eligible for eight free tests per month.
· Flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health saving accounts (HSA) will pay for COVID-19 tests.
Links and Sources: VeryWell Health Where to Find Affordable COVID Tests After the Free Kits Are Gone
Featured in the Field:
Dr. Christina Johns
Dr. Christina Johns is an emergency pediatric physician who offers “evidence-based medical news and insight” on her social media, including information about COVID-19 and answers to questions from the public.
You can find her on her Instagram as well as her 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.