Amjambo’s weekly Covid update

As of Wednesday, January 5 the PCR positivity rate for Maine increased to 18.05%, which is the highest positivity rate Maine has experienced in the entire pandemic. Across New England, states are experiencing the same spikes in positivity rates.

Hospitalizations, intensive care unit bed use, and ventilator use from Covid-19 have remained stable in the past two weeks, despite rising cases. Of those individuals hospitalized, 70% are not fully vaccinated. Currently, 76% of all Mainers are vaccinated, with 45% of those individuals having received booster doses.

Omicron is believed to be a milder variant of Covid-19, compared to the Delta variant, despite its higher transmissibility. However, those who are unvaccinated, or immunocompromised, are at risk of grave health complications, including death.

Vaccines and boosters

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded its emergency use order of the Pfizer vaccine this week, specifically relating to the booster doses. They have now authorized providing booster doses for children ages 12 to 15. The Augusta Armory began offering boosters to this age group on Tuesday, January 4. The U.S. FDA has shortened the interval after which people are eligible for a booster dose – five months, rather than six months after receiving a full vaccination dose. Additionally, they have added a 3^rd primary series dose for immunocompromised children ages 5 to 11.

For parents of those children between the ages of 5 and 12 that have received their vaccinations five months ago or longer, arrangements should be made to get booster shots for those children. Similarly, for parents who received a full vaccine five months ago or longer of Pfizer or Moderna (or two or more months for J&J), a booster shot should also be scheduled.

Testing Sites

The Maine CDC has announced that they are expanding testing access. They are opening a drive-thru clinic for PCR testing at the Augusta Armory, which will require appointments for testing. The first appointment will be available on Monday, January 10^th, and testing days will be on days that vaccinations are not being offered. More information will be available soon on the CDC’s testing website and its social media channels. For those unable to schedule online, the community vaccination hotline will also be available.

Provided below is a list of testing and vaccination sites in both the Greater Portland and Lewiston/Auburn Areas.