Martin’s Point Patient Email | October Edition

As the days cool off and the nights feel crisp, the signs of fall have arrived with an increase of sniffly noses, sore throats, and the ramp up of flu season. Protect yourself and those you love with everyday prevention practices, including frequent hand washing, avoiding touching your face, staying hydrated, and doing your best to get enough sleep.

Flu vaccine

The flu vaccine is one of the most powerful tools for staying healthy during this season and helps protect family, friends, and neighbors including young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

Flu vaccines can be received in two ways at all our Health Care Centers:

• During a scheduled appointment with your provider:
  Request a flu shot at your next appointment or schedule through the MyMartin’sPoint^® patient portal or by phone.
• At one of our Martin’s Point Flu Shot Clinics:
  Schedule your flu shot through the MyMartin’sPoint^® patient portal or by phone.
  Please note: These are not walk-in clinics.

For the health and safety of everyone, if you or a loved one has flu-like symptoms, please wear a mask while visiting our health care centers.

COVID-19 vaccine update

The COVID-19 vaccine remains one of the most effective tools to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Both the Maine and NH CDCs continue to recommend the COVID vaccine. In Maine, the State Standing Order allows the COVID vaccine to be given without a prescription to those eligible. In New Hampshire, shared decision-making is recommended for vaccinations for all individuals above 6 months; and the vaccine may require a prescription in some cases.

Who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine?

• All adults age 18 years and older should get vaccinated annually against COVID-19.
• It is especially important to get a COVID-19 vaccine if you are: 65 years or older, at increased risk for severe COVID-19 infection, or have never received a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Individuals who are pregnant, lactating, recently pregnant, or planning pregnancy should get vaccinated against COVID-19.
• Children ages 6 months and older, especially those with higher risk factors, which can include the following:
  • Very young children (ages 6 – 23 months).
  • All children ages 2–18 years who are considered high risk, have never been vaccinated, or whose parents/guardians request their protection from COVID.

Will my insurance cover the COVID-19 vaccine?

You should check with your health insurance plan to find out if the 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine is covered, as coverage can vary by plan and pharmacy. 

Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

• You can request a COVID vaccine at your next regularly scheduled Martin’s Point office visit. Note: Pediatric vaccinations may not be available yet.
• COVID-19 vaccines are also available at your local pharmacy. We recommend you call ahead to make sure they have it in stock.
• Some New Hampshire pharmacies may require a prescription from your health care provider. We recommend you call the pharmacy to confirm the necessary documentation.

If you have concerns or additional considerations, please discuss this with your primary health care provider.

Know someone in need of primary care?

Several of our Health Care Centers are accepting new patients of all ages. We accept most major insurance plans. Interested individuals can complete our online New Patient Inquiry Form or call their local Martin’s Point Health Care Center.

Welcome to our new providers

Do you have family or friends looking for a new provider? See our latest additions to our medical staff who are accepting new patients with select insurances.

• Andrew Twaite, NP – Brunswick Health Care Center
• Katie Polakowski, DO – Scarborough Health Care Center
• Keaghan Vogel, PA-C – Portsmouth Health Care Center

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Mammograms are one of the best ways to find breast cancer early, before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms and when it’s easier to treat. Contact us to schedule your mammogram at one of our Health Care Centers. You can also visit our website to explore our breast cancer guide for more detailed information from Healthwise.

September was Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and National Fall Prevention Awareness Month

It’s never too late to learn more about these important health topics.

• Prostate Cancer: Visit our website to learn more about prostate disease, symptoms, and treatments.
• Fall Prevention: Falls can affect individuals of all ages and may happen at any time. Making small adjustments in your daily life can prevent falls from happening. Learn more about falls and tips for prevention on our website.