Doctors in Maine are reminding everyone to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine before gathering with family during the holidays. Dr. James Jarvis from Northern Light Health says the virus is changing fast, and the new variants, especially in the Omicron family, are spreading easily.
The most recent booster vaccine, designed for the XBB variants, was released in October. If you got the original vaccine in 2021, it’s crucial to get the new one to stay protected against the current variants.
Dr. Jarvis emphasizes that no vaccine gives 100 percent protection, so it’s important to practice good hygiene and wear masks in crowded places. He compares it to car accidents, where we can’t prevent all accidents but aim to minimize the impact.
The U.S. CDC updated guidelines in August on isolating and testing. They recommend isolating if you have COVID-19, even if vaccinated. If you are sick and waiting for test results, it’s also important to isolate. You can end isolation if the results are negative, but if your symptoms improve, continue wearing a mask for five more days around others. Day 0 is when symptoms start, and Day 1 is the first full day after symptoms begin.
