Maine COVID-19 News and Vaccine Information

Please read our regularly updated blog with links to COVID-19 information and resources, the latest on the suspension of local events, and more.

We may be isolated, but we don’t have to be alone. AARP Community Connections is a new website that offers steps to find help – or give it – during the coronavirus pandemic. At a time when people are self-isolating, the website connects you to support in your community. It also enables you to join or organize your own online mutual aid group to stay connected, share ideas and help your family, neighbors and those most affected by COVID-19.

Maine residents can schedule new COVID-19 vaccine appointments or walk into a nearby pharmacy to get a shot. Here’s how to find an updated vaccine near you.

At the start of the pandemic, scammers hawked fake cures, treatments and vaccines. Now that vaccines are available, scammers are making bogus offers to move you to the front of the line for getting your vaccine – for a fee. Some are even setting up fake vaccine distribution sites. Unfortunately, this means that consumers looking for a vaccine appointment have to sort through fake and legitimate information in search for a shot – a process that can be confusing and dangerous.

The Coronavirus has created a perfect storm for scammers. One unique scam to arise this summer is scammers posing as contact tracers working for state health departments.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, scammers have filed fraudulent unemployment claims using stolen identities of many US workers. This scheme is costing states millions of dollars.

As COVID-19 restrictions ease in Maine, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities have resumed in-person visits for families. Visits won’t be the same as before the pandemic, at least until the threat of coronavirus has passed. There may be limits on when, where and for how long you can see loved ones, and distancing rules will likely be in place.

AARP is providing information and resources about COVID-19 to help older Mainers and their families protect themselves from the virus and prevent it from spreading to others. We're also providing state-specific information which is updated regularly here.

The world is rallying to combat the spread of COVID-19. People are looking for guidance to better protect themselves. But lurking in the shadows are scammers seeking to take advantage of this opportunity to steal money or sensitive personal information. Know there is currently no vaccine, treatment or cure for the disease caused by the coronavirus – any claim of such is fraud. Consider products that claim they protect against coronavirus to be dubious at best. Carefully scrutinize any new investment opportunity related to a vaccine or cure. Your best bet is to stay up to date with new information and guidance through local, state and federal government sources (all government emails and websites end in “.gov.”)