LincolnHealth announced new COVID-19 vaccine booster distribution plans Oct. 26. Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson boosters will be available by appointment only for Lincoln County patients beginning Nov. 1 at Watson Health Center on the Miles Campus in Damariscotta.

Communications Director John Martins said people who have had the initial Moderna or Pfizer vaccine series are eligible six months after the last dose and those who had the J&J single-dose are eligible two months after. “Since most people in Lincoln County received Moderna, their last dose would need to be on or before May 1 to be eligible for a booster shot on Nov. 1.”

Martins said while registration is straightforward, patients should have their vaccine information handy as they will be asked to enter the date of their final shot. To make an appointment, call 1-877-780-7545 or visit vaccine.mainehealth.org

LincolnHealth reported 39 new COVID-19 cases out of 551 tests for a 7.1% positivity rate the week of Oct. 18. Steady testing numbers have yielded positivity rates between 6.9% and 8.2% over the past four weeks and breakthrough cases, those who have been vaccinated and test positive, have been between eight and 14 cases per week over the past five weeks. Twelve people or 31% 18 and under tested positive which continues the age group’s weekly trend representing about one-third of cases.