• People ages 12 years and older are recommended to receive one updated Pfizer or Moderna booster – the new booster is bivalent, meaning it protects against multiple strains of COVID-19 (including omicron). This new booster became available in September of 2022. The recommendation to get an updated booster applies to people who have received all primary series doses and people who have previously received one or more of the original boosters.
• MMHP is now stocking COVID home test kits (2 tests per box) for distribution to patients – you can ask your CHW or ask during a mobile clinic.
• If you are exposed to someone with COVID-19, please review recommended precautions found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/if-you-were-exposed.html
• If you test positive for COVID-19, you should isolate immediately and inform your close contacts. More information about what to do can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/index.html

Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread across the world and impact our daily lives. At MMHP we are here to connect you with the medical, mental health, and social supports you may need during this time.

MMHP staff continue to do things a little differently in order to protect you, other patients, and ourselves. Before meeting with you in person, we will call you and ask if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. If you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, we will try to reschedule your visit. During all in-person visits staff will be wearing masks and eye protection. This is to keep you, MMHP staff, and our community safe.

We are here to help, and do not hesitate to reach out with questions.

Here are some ways to keep yourself and others safe from COVID-19:

• Get vaccinated and stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines
• Wear a mask, especially indoors
• Stay 6 feet away from others
• Avoid poorly ventilated spaces and crowds
• Wash your hands often
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces
• Monitor your health daily, paying attention to symptoms
• Test to prevent spread to others
• Follow recommendations for isolation and quarantine
• Take precautions when you travel

The most common symptoms for COVID-19 include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Severe symptoms include:

• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds depending on skin tone
• New confusion

If you begin to feel ill with a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, get tested, and let us or your regular doctor know.

If you have a chronic condition and are feeling symptoms, please call your medical provider or your CHW right away.

If you develop severe symptoms, seek medication attention immediately or call 911.

Note: These lists do not include all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

• COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective
• Everyone 6 months and older is now eligible to get a free COVID-19 vaccination
• There are four vaccines currently authorized in the United States. Learn more about each one here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines.html
• Search vaccines.gov, text your zip code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you.
• Call your CHW if you would like help finding a vaccine clinic near you.
• You are considered up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines if you have completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and received the most recent booster dose recommended for you by the CDC. You can find out if you are up to date by going to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html and scrolling down to the section titled “When are you up to date?”

• Several types of COVID-19 tests exist, including PCR (testing for the viral genetic material) and antigen (testing for pieces of the virus). You can get a PCR test at a pharmacy, hospital, or local clinic. MMHP offers both PCR and antigen testing – both are rapid tests, with results available in 15-20 minutes.
• Over-the-counter self-tests are antigen tests that can be used at home or anywhere. They are easy to use and produce rapid results. Anyone can use self-tests, regardless of their vaccination status or whether they have symptoms. MMHP can provide these to you and your family – either to keep on hand or use for acute symptoms/exposure.
• Call your CHW if you have questions about accessing a test or the latest isolation and quarantine requirements.
• Isolation: you are sick and you separate yourself from others
• Quarantine: you have had an exposure but are not sick yet

Most people with mild-moderate symptoms recover well at home with symptomatic treatment only – this includes fluids, rest, and over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. People who are at higher risk of developing severe disease may be prescribed medication – antiviral medication or monoclonal antibodies. Most of these treatments need to be started right away, within 5 days of developing symptoms. People who should consider getting treatment are older adults (65+ years old) and people with an underlying medical condition, such as lung disease (asthma or COPD), diabetes, obesity, cancer, or liver/kidney/heart problems. You may also qualify for treatment at the discretion of your doctor. The best thing to do is talk to a health professional as soon as you develop symptoms. Your Community Health Worker can help facilitate this conversation and MMHP can provide antiviral treatment or referral for treatment if appropriate.

If you have severe symptoms as mentioned above, you should not hesitate to call 911 or go directly to a local emergency department.

We are interested in both your physical and mental health during this difficult time. As a reminder, we offer counseling services through telehealth. You can receive these services from your home. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact your Community Health Worker or our Behavioral Health Manager, Laura Valencia Orozco at 207-446-0556.

If you are struggling to meet the basic needs of your family, please contact your Community Health Worker to help you find resources in your area.

MMHP follows COVID-19 guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Please visit the CDC website for the latest information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ 

Additional and local resources are available on the Maine CDC website: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/airborne/coronavirus/index.shtml

For quick reference, visit the Maine CDC Frequently Asked Questions website: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/airborne/coronavirus/FAQ.shtml#quarantine