Skowhegan hospital reports around 10 inoculations during fair’s first clinic

SKOWHEGAN — Around 10 people have received a coronavirus vaccine after the first day of vaccine clinics being offered at the Skowhegan State Fair, organizers said.

A pharmacist at Redington-Fairview General Hospital reported on Monday afternoon that about 10 individuals were vaccinated during the first clinic, offered Sunday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., with the majority opting for the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The hospital’s clinic was open again Monday afternoon, although vaccination information on that session was not yet available. Additional clinics are scheduled at the Skowhegan State Fair for Friday and Saturday from 12:30-3:30 p.m., near the grandstands at the fairgrounds.

Local hospital officials announced the four days of vaccination opportunities last week, a day before the fair’s opening day and after they and organizers said in previous reports that no such plans were under consideration.

Somerset County continues to remain the county with the lowest percentage of its population fully vaccinated, with just under 56%. Statewide, that number is at 64.6%, according to data provided by Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention.

The Maine CDC reported 188 new cases of COVID-19 and no additional deaths on Saturday, the most recent day the agency released case numbers. Maine has seen a summer surge in cases. The agency reports Sunday and Monday results on Tuesday.

On Monday, Dr. Nirav Shah, director of Maine CDC, reported several new statistics on Twitter: to date, vaccinations statewide are up 11.8% compared to one week ago, with an average of 1,601 doses being administered daily creeping up to 1,790 doses a day.

Shah also reports that 91.8% of the state’s population 65 and older has been vaccinated.

As of Saturday, Somerset County remained one of five counties listed in the Maine CDC’s “high” transmission range, which meets the state’s threshold at which everyone is recommended to wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status.

Meanwhile, in nearby Burnham, the town is sponsoring a free vaccination clinic Monday, Aug. 23, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Burnham Town Office, 247 South Horseback Road. At this clinic, Pfizer and J&J shots will be offered. Sign-ups are available and walk-ins are welcome during this clinic, which is supported by Maine CDC and the Waldo County Emergency Management Agency.

Other fairs in the state have also looked at clinic offerings. Earlier this month, the Bangor State Fair offered Pfizer and J&J vaccine at their event. In an announcement on Monday, Maine CDC reported that a clinic will be offered at the upcoming Union Fair, scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 26, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The clinic is free, with no appointment necessary. Those who get a shot will be given a free pass to the fair.