COVID-19 | SARS-CoV-2

Who can get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Everyone age 6 months and older can get vaccinated against COVID-19. Learn more about COVID vaccines for children.

Should I vaccinate my child?

Yes, COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Everyone age 6 months and older should get vaccinated against COVID-19. Although fewer children have been infected with COVID-19 compared to adults, children can still become very sick and have long term problems. Contact your child's primary care provider to schedule an appointment.

 Learn more about how to comfort your child before, during and after a vaccine. 

How can I get a copy of my COVID-19 vaccination record?

If you received your COVID-19 vaccine at a MaineHealth location, you can view and download your vaccine record in MyChart. Learn more about how to request MaineHealth medical records.

Do I still need to test for COVID-19?

Yes. Even mild cold or allergy symptoms could be COVID-19. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, get tested as soon as possible so you can get treatment if needed. If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and do not have symptoms, wait at least 5 full days after your exposure before testing. If you test too early, you may be more likely to get an inaccurate result. Learn more about COVID-19 testing.

What are my testing options?

Self-Testing: COVID-19 self-test kits are available at most local pharmacies. If you develop mild symptoms, or are exposed to someone with COVID-19, consider doing a self-test at home. If you test positive with an at-home test, please stay home and call your doctor. Unless you develop severe symptoms, there is no need to confirm the test at an emergency room, urgent care or walk-in clinic.

MaineHealth PCR Testing: PCR testing is available at MaineHealth for people who have COVID-19 symptoms; or require a PCR test to return to school or work after a high risk exposure; or require testing prior to a procedure/surgery/hospital admission at MaineHealth. Talk to your primary care physician if you think you need a PCR test. Test results are usually available within 24-48 hours in MyChart.

Community Testing: View testing locations in Maine and New Hampshire.
 

What should I do if I test positive?

If you test positive for COVID-19 using a home test, report the test result to your primary care provider.

• Please stay home. There is no need to confirm the test results, unless advised by your provider.
• If you are a MaineHealth patient, log in to your MyChart account to report your positive test result.
• If you have symptoms that concern you, please call your primary care provider.

Learn more about how to treat mild COVID illness at home.

What should I do if I feel sick?

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, consider the following options:

• Test yourself with a COVID home testing kit.
• Tell your primary care provider if you test positive.
  • There may be treatment options available. Your provider can recommend what’s best for you.
• Stay home and away from others
• Monitor symptoms for signs of severe illness. Seek medical attention if needed. Learn more about where to go for care.
• Wear a face mask when you are around other people and continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in your “sick room” and bathroom.

Learn more about how to treat mild COVID illness at home.

What is long COVID?

Some people who have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can experience long-term effects from their infection. These are known as post-COVID conditions (PCC) or long COVID. PCC can include a wide range of ongoing health problems that can last weeks, months or years.

PCC is found more often in people who had severe COVID-19 illness, but anyone who has been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can experience PCC. People not vaccinated against COVID-19 who become infected may have a higher risk of developing PCC.

Learn more about long COVID/PCC.

Learn more about long COVID research at the MaineHealth Institute for Research.