The hospital’s president says the decision was not prompted by Maine’s impending vaccine mandate for health care workers, as more than 98% of the hospital network’s staff is fully vaccinated.
Health
Unvaccinated patients and employees driving COVID outbreaks in Maine hospitals
Maine hospitals have had 13 outbreaks resulting in one death since vaccinations for their employees became widely available.
FDA clears Moderna, J&J boosters and backs vaccine mixing
The moves will mean the U.S. has a bigger toolkit to try to limit a potential winter virus rebound.
Gates Foundation to spend $120 million on access for COVID-19 pill
The foundation says it wants to boost access to generic versions of drugmaker Merck’s antiviral COVID-19 pill for lower income countries, if the drug gets approved by regulators,
FDA approves mixing COVID-19 vaccines, and backs Moderna, J&J boosters
But before more people roll up their sleeves, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will consult experts this week before finalizing official recommendations for who should get boosters and when.
Pediatricians and schools prepare for rollout of vaccines for younger children
Transmission of the virus remains high in Maine, especially in areas with the lowest vaccination rates.
U.S. regulators lay out plan for over-the-counter hearing aids
Americans can pay more than $5,000 for a device and officials say the move should help bring down price.
Taliban agree to new polio vaccination across Afghanistan
The campaign will start in November and Pakistan’s begins December. They’re the only two countries in the world where the virus is still endemic.
U.S. Supreme Court won’t stop Maine’s vaccine mandate for health care workers
Justice Stephen Breyer said the plaintiffs could try again at the Supreme Court after the 1st Circuit issues a ruling in the underlying lawsuit.
Breast cancer patients turning to marijuana – but many hide it from doctors, survey finds
Nearly one-third of patients surveyed by the American Cancer Society said they felt uncomfortable discussing cannabis with doctors and are more likely to seek information from friends, family or the internet.