COVID-19 Vaccine information

 

SARS CoV-2 Vaccine information

What an exciting change of events that the COVID-19 vaccine is becoming available to the public.  I can imagine that parents, students and staff have questions about safety and how well it works and when is my turn?

How do these vaccines work? 

    There are 2 vaccines approved for emergency use in the United States at this time.  Moderna and Pfizer.  Both vaccines are Messenger RNA vaccines.  Messenger RNA or mRNA enters human cells after injection and tells the ribosomes in cells to manufacture the spike protein from COVID, then our own immune system picks up these spikes and creates a defense against them in the form of antibodies.  These antibodies hang around and when we interact with natural COVID-19, we are able to fight it off right away and not get sick.  There is NO virus in this vaccine.  

Wait, wont this mRNA alter my DNA and basically change me into a COVID making and passing machine?

        Short answer, no. The mRNA cannot even enter the nucleus of our cells (where our DNA is stored). Also, the mRNA is covered in a lipids or fats, then the mRNA is quickly destroyed by our own enzymes so it doesn't hang around long at all.  The mRNA is only coded for the spike protein on the COVID virus, not the entire virus, these little spikes on their own are harmless.  Then our immune system sets up defense against the spike protein, making it impossible for other COVID virus to enter cells, should we encounter natural COVID. (BRILLIANT!)

Images below obtained from Kyle D. Massey, PharmD, BCIDP with permission on 1/21/2021

What are the ingredients in the vaccine?

Ingredient Explanation: 

mRNA                                Made up of proteins found in all cells in our body

Lipids Fatty molecules,    Help the mRNA work with the cell 

Polyethylene glycol           Help keep the vaccine stable also found in: - Tylenol - Zyrtec - Ibuprofen -                                                   and dozens of other meds 

Sucrose                              Sugar Coca-cola, Pepsi 

Pfizer/BioNTech only:

Potassium chloride           Electrolytes to make the injection more tolerable found in common foods/drinks                                                        Electrolyte supplements 

Potassium phosphate        Electrolytes to make the injection more tolerable found in common                

                                            foods/drinks Electrolyte supplements 

Sodium phosphate            Electrolytes to make the injection more tolerable found in common            

                                            foods/drinks  

Sodium chloride                Electrolytes to make the injection more tolerable found in common 

                                            foods/drinks Saline (Fluids) 

Moderna only:

Tromethamine                   A buffer to make the injection more tolerable found in other injections, Eye                                                  drops, ear drops, other medications 

Acetic acid                         A buffer to make the injection more tolerable found in other injections, Eye      

                                            drops, ear drops, other medications 

Sodium acetate                  A buffer to make the injection more tolerable found in other injections, Eye                                                  drops, ear drops

What can I expect when I get a vaccine?

The COVID vaccine, both Moderna and Pfizer are a series of 2 injections given either 3 or 4 weeks apart. You will still need to practice good COVID hygiene before during and after your vaccination.  The vaccination as been studied to prevent severe illness from COVID-19, but not to prevent asymptomatic COVID-19 or transfer of illness.  Bottom line, from the time being, it takes 35-42 days for immunity to severe illness, but PLEASE continue to wear your mask and keep your distance.  

What are the side effects from the COVID vaccine?

Please see the table below, but generally side effects were worse after the second dose but were generally mild and lasted 1-2 days. 

Why and HOW were these vaccines developed so fast? Vaccines are suppose to take years to develop.  These companies must have cut corners, RIGHT?!

   Nope, no corners were cut in the development of either of these vaccines.  Operation warp speed provided subsidies to companies and actually pre purchased a number of doses prior to development to decrease financial risk.  Additionally, with so much COVID-19 present in the communities where vaccines were studied, efficacy was determined in a matter of months, not years.   On a side note, Pfizer did not take any money from the government when developing and testing this vaccine.

I am pregnant or breast feeding, should I get this vaccine? 

    Talk with your doctor, this will be an individual decision. 

How will I know it is my turn? 

Visit the websites below for more information, listen to the broadcasts by Dr. Shaw Tuesday and Thursday at 2pm on PBS or talk to your doctor's office for more information.  

Also, DHHS will provide a phone number for more information on 1/25/21

https://www.maine.gov/covid19/vaccines

Vaccine locations

Will there be any other options for vaccines?

YES! Johnson and Johnson and AstraZeneca are both in phase III trials of their vaccines and we should see approval in a few weeks. Johnson and Johnson's vaccine is a one dose and done vaccine.  That one is very exciting.  💪😄

Do I still have to quarantine after my vaccine?

 2 weeks after your second dose of vaccine, you will not need to quarantine after exposure to someone with COVID-19 or travel.  YAY!!! Other states may still require this.

For more information please visit the US CDC website and Maine.gov FAQ

Information adapted from 

Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 and Vaccination  - Center for Disease Control and Prevention- Jan 22, 2021

Will the Vaccine Alter My Genes?' -- and Other Patient FAQs - Medscape - Jan 22, 2021.

COVID-19 testing information

.                                           

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your medical provider. The statements below do not replace the advice of a medical provider. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.

The CDC has a CDC Symptom Checker and it can be helpful in determining next steps when you or a loved one feel ill.

Testing at Maine State Sponsored swab and send sites is FREE of CHARGE. Details are listed below.

These details are true at the time of publishing and are subject to change due to availability of the facility, supplies, and staffing.

COVID-19 Testing Swab and send locations in Cumberland

and York Counties

These testing locations do not require a doctor's order or symptoms for a COVID-19 test and they are

FREE of charge with the standing order from the State of Maine.  Visit the websites listed to make

appointments for a test or call the phone numbers provided. 

Other testing options can be obtained via your PCP or Keep Maine Healthy or 

 https://get-tested-covid19.org/ but they may require insurance or payment to process testing.  

MidCoast-Parkview Health, Brunswick

Organization: MaineHealth

• Offering testing to people without symptoms or confirmed exposure to COVID-19,

• and without requiring a provider referral

• Facility type Drive-thru

• Appointment Required

• No Provider Referral Required

• Swab & Send? Yes

For Swab and Send testing, patients should call 207-373-6699 to be screened for

Standing Order criteria and to make an appointment. 

 Address: 329 Maine Street, Brunswick, 04011 Phone: (207) 373-6699

Website

Northern Light Mercy Hospital - COVID Testing Center, Portland

Organization: Northern Light Mercy Hospital

• Offering testing to people without symptoms or confirmed exposure to COVID-19,

• and without requiring a provider referral

• Facility type Tent Site

• Appointment Required

• No Provider Referral Required

• Swab & Send? Yes

All patients seeking a test under the State Order must visit their website and click on the

Asymptomatic button to schedule their test. Drive-up testing is available only with

an appointment, we cannot test on demand at this time.

This website allows patients to select the testing site and time most convenient for them. 

Address:175 Fore River Parkway, Portland, 04101 PHONE 844-489-1822   Website

Westbrook Public Safety, Westbrook

Organization: Westbrook Public Safety

• Offering testing to people without symptoms or confirmed exposure to COVID-19,

• and without requiring a provider referral

• Facility type Drive-thru

• Appointment Required

• No Provider Referral Required

• Swab & Send? Yes

For more information and to make an appointment visit their website.

Address: 570 Main St, Westbrook, 04092 PHONE (207) 854-0655   Website

Nasson Health Care, Sanford

Organization: York County Community Action

• Offering testing to people without symptoms or confirmed exposure to COVID-19,

• and without requiring a provider referral

• Facility type Federally Qualified Health Center

• Appointment Required

• Provider Referral Required

• Swab & Send? Yes

Call for appointment: 207-490-6900

Address 15 Oak Street, Sanford, 04083 PHONE: (207) 490-6900     Website

 Portland Jetport PWM

Portland International Jetport (PWM), 1001 Westbrook Street, Portland, ME 04102

Eligibility & Accessibility

• Testing is available to anyone interested in receiving a test. You do not need to be a ticked airline passenger.

• Note that participants must be at least 2 years old.

• Testing is being conducted in the “public” section of the airport (Level 1) – you do not need to pass through security or into the gate area.

• Note that short term parking is FREE for the first 30 minutes.

Testing Schedule: Monday – Sunday:  11:30am – 10:30pm

Testing Details

• Standard PCR Test ($0): This PCR test requires a nasal swab (typically self-administered by the participant, with supplies and instruction provided by our staff). Once completed, it is processed by the Maine State Lab (HETL). Results are made available via a secure email, typically within 72 hours of collection.

• Rapid Test ($25): This test requires a nasal swab (typically self-administered by the participant, with supplies and instruction provided by our staff). Once completed, it is processed on-site using Abbott ID Now® equipment. Results are made available via a secure email, typically within 1 hour of collection.

 Appointment Changes & Travel Interruptions

• Appointment holders may use the link provided in their confirmation email to reschedule or cancel appointments as necessary.

• If you are visiting Maine and you miss your scheduled Standard Testing appointment time due to a flight delay or cancellation, this testing can be provided when you arrive (if before 10:30pm) or the next day at your convenience.

• Due to limited inventory, Rapid Testing cannot be rescheduled. We encourage previous appointment holders to check availability and make a new appointment. Alternatively, Rapid Testing appointment holders can transition to Standard Testing without a new appointment and at any time during operating hours.

Website

 LEWISTON AUBURN AREA TESTING –

DOWNTOWN AUBURN TRANSPORTATION CENTER

Location

Downtown Auburn Transportation Center, 24 Great Falls Plaza, Auburn, ME 04210

Eligibility & Accessibility

• Testing is available to anyone interested in receiving a test. Note that participants must be at least 2 years old.

• Given seasonal temperatures, weather considerations, and potential wait times, participants are strongly advised to remain in, and participate from a vehicle.

Testing Schedule

Tuesday – Saturday:  9:30am – 4:30pm

Testing Details

• Standard PCR Test ($0): This PCR test requires a nasal swab (typically self-administered by the participant, with supplies and instruction provided by our staff). Once completed, it is processed by the Maine State Lab (HETL). Results are made available via a secure email, typically within 72 hours of collection.

•  

Make an appointment

Website

For more information on COVID-19 testing please see Keep Maine Healthy website or https://get-tested-covid19.org/ or call 211.

Other testing options can be obtained via your PCP or sites listed on the websites above, but they may require insurance or payment to process the testing.  

 

For More information on COVID-19 testing please see Keep Maine Healthy

Website or https://get-tested-covid19.org/

Other testing options can be obtained via your PCP or sites listed on the websites above,

but they will require insurance or payment to process the testing.  

 

COVID--19 Resources and Guidelines

 

I am SO glad to be back at school, seeing all those smiling eyes above colorful masks.  COVID has certainly changed how we do things, but at our core, we still TEACH students! Students must be healthy to be educated and educated to be healthy.

 

"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world."  -Nelson Mandela

Prior to sending students to school please complete the following checklist:  

Maine DOE prescreening checklist

If students have ONE of the more common symptoms or TWO of the less common symptoms, they should stay home and be evaluated by their PCP.  Please contact your school nurse for next steps.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include: 

More common symptoms include: Cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever of 100.4 or higher, chills, sore throat, or new loss or taste or smell

Less common symptoms include: Muscle or joint pain, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, congestion or a runny nose

What do I do if my student is sick?

Confirmed COVID-19

Students with a COVID-19 diagnosis. 

• Stay home at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared AND until no fever for at least 24 hours without medication AND improvement of other symptoms. 

• Siblings and household members also stay home for 14 days.

Non-COVID-19 Illness

Students with other diagnoses (e.g., Norovirus, strep throat) that explains symptoms, or when 

a health care provider says symptoms are connected to a pre-existing condition.

• Stay home until symptoms have improved AND until no fever for at least 24 hours without medication. Follow specific return guidance from the health care provider. 

• Siblings and household members do not need to stay home.

Suspected COVID-19 

Students with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 without a medical evaluation (e.g., monitoring symptoms at home). 

• Stay home at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared AND until no fever for  

at least 24 hours without medication AND improvement of other symptoms. 

• Siblings and household members do not need to stay home unless they have a positive test or have symptoms.

For the safety of all students and staff after experiencing symptoms that exclude a child from school, please provide a return to school note or negative test result to the school from your students doctor. 

   

Traveling outside of Maine right now is discouraged due to risk of COVID-19. Traveling to destinations not included on the exemption list require a 14 day quarantine or a negative PCR or Antigen test when returning to Maine,  If traveling cannot be avoided please see the Maine CDC travel page  or the FAQ Keep Maine Healthy webpage for more information.  At the time this page was authored, exempt destinations for travel  include, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont. For additional information on travel and testing regarding travel please see Maine CDC COVID -19 FAQ page, which is updated regularly and was updated last on 11/5/2020.  

Testing: Obtaining a test can be difficult and not all tests are created equal.  The PCR test is the gold standard for COVID-19 testing.  HERE is a list of local testing sites with requirements for testing and how to make appointments (if needed) There are 30 testing sites within 40 miles of Yarmouth.  :-)

Quarantine vs Isolation Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease such as COVID-19 from people who are not sick. Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. At any point during this pandemic you or your family may need to isolate or quarantine.  It is a very good idea to have enough medication and food on hand to last at least two weeks.

One of my children is sick, and another one is healthy, can I send the healthy one to school? YES! Unless your sick family member tests positive for COVID-19 and it is recommended by the CDC that they quarantine for 14 days, a healthy student can attend school.  

For any questions, please contact the school nurse at alison_thomson@yarmouthschools.org or 846-3391 or visit the Maine CDC COVID website