STATE — The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) encourages Maine residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) ahead of this season’s holiday gatherings. Vaccination remains the best way for Maine people to protect themselves, their friends, and relatives this holiday season and will help limit the spread of respiratory viruses at gatherings this winter.
Everyone age 6 months and older is eligible for the updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines. The RSV vaccine is recommended for adults 60 and older, for pregnant people, and children under age 1. The flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations may be administered at the same time. Vaccinations against COVID-19, flu, and RSV are extremely effective at preventing severe illness, including hospitalization and death.
As of December 12, 2023, 85 patients across the state were in the hospital with COVID-19, including nine in critical care and four on a ventilator. As of that date, 210,891 Maine people have received an updated COVID-19 vaccination, including 119,852 vaccinations given to people aged 65 and older.
For the week ending December 9, 14 patients were hospitalized with influenza in Maine. So far this year, 396,592 Maine people have received their annual flu vaccine.
Health providers are not required to report hospitalizations or total vaccinations for RSV to Maine CDC.
“As we head into the winter, we want to remind Maine people that vaccination against COVID-19, the flu, and – if you’re eligible – RSV remains the best gift to yourself and your loved ones this holiday season,” said Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Puthiery Va. “Vaccination and other common-sense precautions, including testing for COVID-19, helps keep our families and communities – particularly individuals who are older or immune-compromised – safe during this season of travel and get-togethers.”
Earlier this fall, the U.S. government relaunched its program to allow every U.S. household to place an order to receive up to eight free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their homes. Visit covid.gov to order your free at-home tests to ensure that your family has rapid tests on hand in case you are feeling sick. Early detection of COVID-19 enables treatment and limits the spread of the disease to others. No payment information is required — both the tests and shipping are free – and the tests will be delivered through Amazon approximately one to two weeks after ordering. The tests require a quick swab inside each nostril, with results available within 15 minutes. The tests can be used on any individual older than two.
Vaccinations are available by appointment at most pharmacies and are covered either through health insurance or through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Bridge Access Program. You may also call your healthcare provider to see if they are offering vaccinations or holding walk-in vaccine clinics.
Later this month, the Maine CDC will launch a campaign to remind Maine people to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and flu. In addition to getting vaccinated, people can take the following steps to reduce the spread of illness:
- Stay home when you are sick
- Wash your hands
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Increase airflow and ventilation, when possible
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects
For more information:
Visit the Maine CDC’s ‘COVID-19: Maine Data’ page to learn more about trends in Maine
Visit the Maine CDC’s ‘Influenza’ page to learn more about the flu in Maine, including weekly influenza surveillance reports
Visit the U.S. CDC’s page on RSV for more information about RSV
Visit the U.S. CDC’s page for more information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu, COVID-19, and RSV
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