COVID-19 Vaccination at MaineHealth
When can I get a COVID-19 vaccine at MaineHealth?
MaineHealth is distributing COVID-19 vaccines in phases, per U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance. We are now scheduling appointments for people in phase 1a and phase 1b as defined below. Available appointments and vaccine doses are still very limited. We appreciate your patience.
-
Phase 1a – Currently Active
- Health care, public safety and COVID-19 response personnel
- Residents and staff of long-term care facilities
- VACCINE STATUS
ALL AVAILABLE APPOINTMENTS BOOKED
Please check back tomorrow to see if we have additional vaccine appointments available.
-
Phase 1b – Currently Active
- People aged 70 years and older
- VACCINE STATUS
ALL AVAILABLE APPOINTMENTS BOOKED
Please check back tomorrow to see if we have additional vaccine appointments available.
-
Phase 1b-2 – Not Yet Active
- People aged 65 and older
- Adults with high-risk medical conditions that put them at greater risk of hospitalization or death from COVID-19
- Front-line essential workers
- Agriculture/food production, postal service, manufacturing, groceries, public transit, education, day care
-
Phase 2 – Not Yet Active
- People aged 16-64, who were not already eligible in a prior phase
Vaccine FAQs
The first COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States are Messenger RNA vaccines—also called mRNA vaccines. MRNA vaccines teach our cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies.
- mRNA vaccines do not use the live virus that causes COVID-19.
- They cannot give you COVID-19 and will not affect your DNA in any way.
- mRNA never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA (genetic material) is kept.
Like all vaccines, COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have been rigorously tested for safety before being authorized for use in the United States. mRNA technology is new, but not unknown and has been studied for more than a decade.
Yes. As long as you are fully recovered and have completed your isolation period. It is uncertain how long you will have natural immunity from COVID-19 after a confirmed infection. Getting the vaccine is the best way to be sure you are as protected.
The CDC advises that side effects from COVID-19 vaccination may feel like flu and might even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Learn more about what side effects to expect and get helpful tips on how to reduce pain and discomfort after your vaccination.
The COVID-19 vaccine is thought to be about 95% effective in preventing infection two weeks after the second dose.
Currently, New Hampshire residents are not eligible for vaccination in Maine. New Hampshire residents should refer to this page for more information.
Social Distancing is Still Necessary
Confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to increase in our area. Until most people in the region have been vaccinated, please:
- Wear a mask over your mouth and nose any time you leave your home
- Keep your distance from people outside of your household – especially during the holiday season
- Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary
- Wash your hands and clean high-touch surfaces often
Don't Delay Needed Care
Staying healthy also means staying current with preventative medical care and time-sensitive appointments and procedures. MaineHealth has implemented visitor restrictions and patient safety measures across our system so you can continue to receive needed care. Telehealth appointments are also available.