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

9 hours ago in Local

3 People Arrested in Penobscot County Drug Raid

Deputies say the investigation remains active and additional charges may be forthcoming.

10 hours ago in Local

Tito’s Vodka Ordered to Pay $750,000 in Taxes and Penalties in Maine

The court determined the manufacturer did not file tax returns for an audit period.

13 hours ago in Local

Maine supplemental budget clears committee, heads to full legislature

Maine’s supplemental budget is advancing, and it includes a tax increase on millionaires and $300 relief payments to more than half a million lower income Mainers.

15 hours ago in Local

Missing South Portland man found safe

Police say Kulinski has been found safe.

1 day ago in Local

Maine Lawmakers Pass Bill to Let Jails Turn Away Some ICE Detainees

Governor Mills has indicated she will sign the bill.