News

Moderna vaccine would ease burden in rural Maine, CDC says

Moderna vaccine would ease burden in rural Maine, CDC says

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


The director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention says the Moderna vaccine for the coronavirus that showed promise in an ongoing study would benefit rural parts of the state in terms of equitable distribution.

According to preliminary data, the experimental vaccine appears to be 94.5% effective. Pfizer announced last week that it’s competitor vaccine is 90% effective.

A key difference between the two is that only Pfizer’s needs to be kept in ultra-cold storage. Maine CDC director Dr. Nirav Shah said Monday that’s significant in Maine, one of the most rural states in the country and a place where distribution could be a challenge in many remote corners.

Coronavirus cases in the state have been rising recently.

Latest Headlines

4 hours ago in Sports, Trending

Lindsey Vonn tells the AP she is not yet in position emotionally to decide if she will race again

Lindsey Vonn is still recovering physically and emotionally from her frightening crash at the Winter Olympics. For now, the tough decisions about the future can wait.

5 hours ago in Local, National

Janet Mills drops U.S. Senate bid before June 9 primary

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine Gov. Janet Mills on Thursday dropped her bid for the U.S. Senate just weeks before the Democratic…

18 hours ago in Local

Greater Portland Metro Unveils High Frequency Bus Service to Westbrook, Gorham

It would be the first of its kind rapid-transit service in the state.

19 hours ago in Local

Windham Crash Leads Pickup to Careen into Building

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

20 hours ago in Local

Maine Man’s Body Found Floating in Lake Auburn

Auburn Police say an investigation is still active.