Black women in Maine are four times more likely than white women to start prenatal care late, or not at all, a disparity tied with Texas as the nation’s largest.
Health
Lawmakers hear conflicting arguments on bill to ban sales of flavored tobacco products in Maine
Proponents said the ban would save lives and protect children from tobacco manufacturers’ marketing efforts, but others said a ban would simply drive consumers into New Hampshire to buy products.
Younger patients making Florida’s COVID hospital rates among highest in U.S.
The intensive care unit leader and pulmonologist at one public hospital said COVID patients are averaging between 30 and 50 years old, many of them healthy and without conditions such as obesity or diabetes.
Maine reports 50% full vaccination rate as hospital counts stay high
With half the state’s eligible population fully vaccinated, public health officials are trying to maintain momentum by expanding clinic hours and emphasizing the convenience of walk-ins.
‘A frightening shift’: Maine hospitals see surge of unvaccinated patients needing intensive care
ICU demands hit near-record levels at many hospitals despite lower overall patient counts; Central Maine Medical Center sees record levels of both.
U.S. supports waiving intellectual property rules on COVID vaccines
But opponents – especially from industry – say a waiver would be no panacea and insist that production of coronavirus vaccines is complex.
No increase in vaccine shipments as Maine reports more variants and hospitalizations
Cases remain elevated in Maine and state health officials now say that anyone 16 or older is eligible for vaccination, regardless of their state of residency.
Biden aims for vaccinating 70% of adult Americans by July 4
The president will call for states to make vaccines available on a walk-in basis and will direct many pharmacies to do the same.
Maine drops residency requirement for getting COVID-19 vaccinations
The state’s vaccination rate, meanwhile, creeps closer to 40%, among the highest in the country.
FDA expected to approve Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 and up within a week
The FDA action will be followed by a meeting of a federal vaccine advisory committee to discuss whether to recommend the shot for 12- to 15-year-olds.