Martin’s Point Patient Email | November Edition

Dear Martin’s Point Patient,

After the beautiful late-fall weather we’ve had lately, it feels like November really snuck up on us this year. As we look ahead to gathering family and friends together for seasonal celebrations, now is the time to take standard precautions to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your communities from seasonal flu and other respiratory illnesses that spread more easily at this time of year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently updated its recommendations for COVID-19 and pneumococcal vaccines (see more below). If you haven’t already, we urge you to make a plan to get these important vaccines at one of our Health Care Centers or from a local pharmacy and cross that off your holiday to-do list.

Updated CDC Recommendations for COVID-19 and Pneumococcal Disease

COVID-19 Vaccine: The CDC now recommends that people 65 years and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised receive a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose. This new recommendation also provides flexibility for additional doses (i.e., three or more) for those moderately or severely immunocompromised, in consultation with their health care provider. Learn more from the CDC about staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccine.

Pneumococcal Vaccine: CDC has lowered the recommended age that adults first get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease from 65 to 50 years old. Lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination gives more adults the opportunity to protect themselves from pneumococcal disease at the age when risk of infection substantially increases. If under age 65, we recommend checking with your insurance plan to check coverage.

Vaccinations are Available at Martin’s Point: Vaccines against seasonal flu, COVID-19, and pneumococcal disease are now available at Martin’s Point by appointment or during a regularly scheduled visit with a Martin’s Point provider.

You may request a vaccine appointment through the MyMartinsPoint^® patient portal or by calling your health care center. These vaccines are also available through most pharmacies.

Masking Up at Our Health Care Centers: A reminder that if you are experiencing any symptoms of flu/COVID, please wear a mask covering your nose and mouth and use hand sanitizer when visiting us. For your convenience, masks and sanitizer are available at all of our health care centers.

Symptoms can include respiratory symptoms, head/body aches, fever, nausea, diarrhea, etc.

REMINDER: New Phone Number: We have changed the Martin’s Point phone and text messaging system to provide an improved experience for our patients. Automated appointment reminder calls and text messages will come from a new phone number: 207-813-2177. We recommend that you add this phone number to your contacts list to avoid these calls/texts going to spam.

Holiday Closures

To allow our employees time to enjoy the holidays with their families and friends, all Martin’s Point Health Care Centers will be closed as follows:

• Wednesday, November 27: Open until 5pm
• Thursday, November 28: Closed
• Tuesday, December 24: Open until noon
• Wednesday, December 25: Closed
• Tuesday, December 31: Open until 5pm
• Wednesday, January 1: Closed

Please allow for extra time needed for prescription refills around the holidays. For urgent health care needs, our after-hours phone service will be available during holiday closures.

For more details, visit our Holiday Hours page.

HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH—Reducing risks through awareness and education.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month: The Great American Smokeout occurs on Thursday, November 21 this year. Join the American Cancer Society and thousands of other Americans in taking the first steps in their smoke-free journey. No matter your age, or how long you’ve been smoking, quitting improves health immediately and over the long term. Reach out to your health care provider for support and visit the American Lung Association for more information and resources.

November is National Diabetes Month: This year, the focus of National Diabetes Month is taking charge of your health to help avoid diabetes-related health challenges. If you or someone you love has diabetes, take action with our helpful free tools including Diabetes Management Tracker (PDF) and Diabetes Action Plan (PDF).

Wishing you good health,

Dan McCormack

Chief Operating Officer, Health Care Centers

Martin’s Point in the Community

On November 7, we celebrated our second organization-wide “Day of Service” of 2024 with over 200 Martin’s Point employees heading into the community to volunteer at over 25 local nonprofits across Maine and New Hampshire. Our dedicated Days of Service support our employees in their efforts to give back to our community while building connections with their colleagues and neighbors outside of the office.

Click here to learn more.