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.

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.

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.

Omicron on the decline in Oxford Hills – for now

Pfizer begins testing omicron-matched COVID shots in adults

Some vaccines are being updated in case health authorities decide a change is needed.

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.

COVID-19 policies changed in RSU 9 schools

Changes reflect CDC and state education recommendations.

Omicron’s impact unknown as Oxford Hills students head back to school

Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson says SAD 17 is bracing for an influx of illness and quarantine.

COVID-19 hospitalizations tick up slightly in Maine

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports 338 people hospitalized for COVID-19 throughout the state.

Fast-spreading omicron variant becoming dominant in Maine

Newly released data show that omicron went from less than 1% of COVID-19 cases in the state to 10% in 1 week this month, and it already may be causing the majority of new cases statewide.