The FDA approved a COVID-19 booster for adults 18 years old and over. High cases have been affecting Maine this winter season. With the variant Omicron of great concern, the importance of a booster is critical. The hope of the booster is that it’ll be as effective as the first doses. Mike Allen, of Waterville, stated his thoughts on the effectiveness of the booster, “All I know is that the numbers have dropped significantly since the vaccine came out.”
The Augusta State Armory hosted a free COVID-19 booster clinic.
Another concern is the side effects of the boosters and if they are like the first dose. Alexa Querry, of Portland, shared information about her side effects after receiving the COVID-19 booster. Alexa is a first grade teacher and received her vaccine through the school she works for. “I slept fine the first night and had a sore arm for sure. I think I had a swollen lymph node even. The second night, almost 36 hours after, I had chills and shakes. By the next morning I was just fine!”
There has been a high demand for COVID-19 boosters across the country, not just in Maine. Some pop-up clinics are helping local pharmacies keep up with the demand. The Maine CDC and National Guard set up a clinic this week at the Augusta Armory from Dec. 7 to 11. Allen luckily didn’t have to wait long for his booster. “I did not have a hard time. My work provided it.”
With the high number of cases, people are raising questions about COVID-19 prevention. Alexa’s spouse, Bill Querry, shared his thoughts on the matter. Bill said, “I think with proper masking, distancing and vaccines, we can hope to return to a more normal life.”
