The shots would be available for people who are at least 65 years old or immune-compromised.
omicron variant
Posted inHealth, Local & State
Uptake of bivalent COVID-19 boosters low in Maine, but still higher than most of the country
Nearly a third of all Mainers ages 5 years and older have received the omicron-targeting bivalent booster shot compared to less than 18% of individuals nationwide. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that individuals who have received the bivalent booster are at significantly lower risk of hospitalization and death compared to unvaccinated individuals.
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Posted inHealth, Nation & World, News
CDC study: Omicron-specific boosters show modest benefit compared to earlier vaccines
The Biden administration’s campaign to boost Americans ahead of an expected winter wave is lagging, with about 11 percent of people having gotten a bivalent booster.
Posted inHealth, Nation & World
Latest version of omicron accounts for most new infections in much of U.S.
The concern is that Europe’s surge in infections will be replicated in coming weeks in the United States, where caseloads have often trailed those in Europe by roughly a month.
Posted inNation & World, News
COVID deaths highest in a year as omicron targets the unvaccinated and elderly
The recent uptick in coronavirus deaths also likely includes residual deaths from delta surges that were just starting to hit parts of the country including New England in late fall before omicron became the dominant strain.
Posted inHealth, Nation & World, News
Pfizer begins testing omicron-matched COVID shots in adults
Some vaccines are being updated in case health authorities decide a change is needed.
Posted inSouthern Forecaster, The Forecaster
South Portland to enact mask mandate
The mandate, which will apply to all public buildings in the city, likely will be in effect as early as Friday.
Posted inBusiness, Health, Local & State, News
Maine nursing homes fear that a strong flu season would push them over the edge
Health professionals say staffing shortages are the worst they have ever seen, and the risk of influenza outbreaks makes a terrible situation worse.
Posted inSouthern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Omicron, holiday transmission cause COVID spike at area schools
Scarborough High School closes for a week and schools in South Portland and Cape Elizabeth battle with their own case surges.
Posted inHealth, Nation & World
U.S. sends states monoclonal antibodies that may not work against omicron
States like Florida say the treatment is still needed for coronavirus cases caused by the fading delta strain.