COVID-19 Vaccines, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, and Treatment for Non-Hospitalized Patients

May 24, 2022

COVID-19 vaccination remains the best way to prevent infection, hospitalization, and death. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for individuals five years and older; a booster dose is recommended for individuals 12 years and older, and a second booster is authorized for individuals 50 years and older. 

Patients who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should receive additional vaccine doses and may also receive pre-exposure prophylaxis to further reduce the risk of infection, hospitalization, and death.   

Pre-exposure prophylaxis is now available for certain individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain highly susceptible to infection and severe disease. For more information regarding pre-exposure prophylaxis, such as who is eligible, which healthcare systems offer it, and how to obtain it, see the Maine CDC’s COVID-19 Pre-exposure Prophylaxis webpage.  

COVID-19 outpatient treatment is available for older adults, and for people with certain underlying medical conditions associated with a high risk for severe COVID-19. For mor information see the US CDC webpage. Treatment is highly effective and is the standard of care for eligible patients. For more information on oral antiviral, IV monoclonal, and IV antiviral medications available in Maine refer to the Maine CDC’s webpage.