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 new vaccine recommendation guidelines, the COVID-19 vaccine’s technology as applied to other diseases, and what to know about the lifting of vaccine mandates in specific healthcare settings.
COVID Communication:

Updated FDA and CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations

The FDA has just approved a second bivalent booster for those 65 years and older or those with a compromised immune system. What does this mean in practice?

·       Going forward, all COVID-19 vaccines, including primary doses, will now be the bivalent vaccine for everyone 6 months and older

·       Those 65 years and older who have already received a bivalent booster and who are at least 4 months out from their last dose are advised to receive a second bivalent booster

·       Those who are immunocompromised and at least 2 months out from their last dose are advised to receive a second bivalent booster

·       For immunocompromised children 6 months-4 years of age, eligibility will depend on the previous vaccine received

·       All others are not eligible for a second booster dose a this time

·       The FDA plans to revisit the eligibility requirements for the broader population in June

For further information on what dose you should receive and when, see the sources linked below, or speak with your healthcare provider. For general questions on vaccine eligibility, please do not hesitate to contact our Public Health Coordinator at nina.duggan@healthyacadia.org.

For further information and useful graphics, see “Epidemiologist Kat: FDA approved 2nd COVID-19 bivalent booster for high risk”,  “Unbiased Sci Pod: FDA authorizes second bivalent COVID-19 booster for high-risk populations”, “Science Whiz Liz: Confused About the New FDA & CDC COVID-19 Recommendations? Read This”.

COVID in the News:

State of COVID-19 in Maine

As of April 25th, there were 26 new deaths from COVID-19 in the state since last week, with 60 current hospitalizations. The 14-day case rate is roughly 5.36 per 10,000 people, with 718 active cases reported statewide. It is important to note that reported numbers are likely lower than actual case rates due to a lack of reporting. For the best data, hospitalizations and wastewater testing remain the best metrics.

Bangor Daily COVID-19 data tracker; CDC COVID-19: Maine Data

COVID-19 Vaccine Technology Paving the Way for Vaccines for Other Diseases

The mRNA vaccine technology used in the COVID-19 vaccines has proven to be a powerful tool in fighting disease, a safe and extremely effective way to combat the pandemic. According to a recent statement by Moderna’s Chief Medical Officer, this technology can also be applied to a host of other diseases in humans. This ranges from other infectious diseases to cancer, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, rare diseases, and even bacterial diseases like Lyme Disease.

The vaccines would work by teaching the body to create a protein that would help the body either prevent or target a certain disease. Moderna has even gone so far as to state that these vaccines could be ready by the year 2030.

Furthermore, they have also stated that the next generation of COVID-19 vaccines has started phase III trials. These vaccines not only help us return to normal but aid in our ability to save lives in the future.

For the full post and sources, visit “Hot Science Summer: Cancer, Heart Disease Vaccines May Be Ready By 2030”.

What to Know About the Lifting of Mask Mandates in Healthcare Settings

The info, immunocompromised people concerned, take care of the most vulnerable

Many hospitals are now looking at lifting mask mandates in healthcare settings. The reaction to this news is mixed, with many disability advocates saying that this only makes it more difficult for the immunocompromised, elderly, and disabled to access medical care safely.

Here are the basic takeaways on the lifting of these mandates.

Why are the mandates being lifted?

·       Risk of COVID-19 has changed significantly with the advancements made over the years (e.g. vaccination, treatments, testing)

·       The bivalent vaccines are performing extremely well, even with the new Omicron subvariants

·       The psychological toll on healthcare workers was starting to outway the benefits of masking in certain settings

What should be expected with the lifting of the mask mandates?

·       Masking in hospitals will not go away entirely and could return at any time should COVID or other respiratory viruses surge once more

·       Many hospitals will still be encouraging masking in vulnerable settings such as emergency rooms, cancer clinics, and other such areas

·       Many healthcare workers will still be masking in patient-facing settings

For the full post and sources visit “COVID Vaccine Facts: What You Need To Know About Lifting of Mask Mandates in Health-Care Settings”, and “Lucky Tran: Changes to Masking”.

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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.