The state reported 1,504 cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday and two additional deaths, according to data from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Of those who died, both were female. One death was reported in Penobscot County and the other in Kennebec. One was in her 80s and the other in her 60s.

On Wednesday, the state set a new pandemic record for hospitalizations with 380. There are 122 patients in critical care and 60 patients on ventilators. There are 37 available critical care beds statewide. Of those, 29 are for adults and eight are for children.

During a media briefing Wednesday, Dr. James Jarvis of Northern Light Health said lower immunization rates in the rural areas are continuing to drive the spread of the disease. Statistics from the hospital system show of the 88 people who are hospitalized, 67 are unvaccinated.

Of the 33 in the intensive care unit, 27 are unvaccinated.

He said herd immunity won’t be possible until 85-90% of people are vaccinated.

“That’s before we see the effects of what omicron may bring to us,” he said, referring to the more contagious version of the virus that’s been found in 35 states, but not yet in Maine. “It is becoming clearer each day it is more transmissible than even the delta variant.”

Since the pandemic began in Maine, there have been 132,884 cases of COVID-19, with 95,176 confirmed cases and 37,708 listed as probable. Deaths stand at 1,378.

Nearly 74% of Mainers eligible for the vaccine – those 5 and older – have received a final dose, according to the CDC. For those who need a vaccine, there are several opportunities across the state.

Westbrook will host a COVID-19 vaccination clinic from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21 at the Westbrook Community Center gymnasium, according to a press release from the city. Masks are required, no appointment is needed and those seeking a booster are asked to bring their vaccination card. All three vaccines will be offered and initial, second and booster doses will be administered.

In Augusta, vaccines continue to be offered at the Armory on Western Avenue until 4 p.m. today and from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday.

And in northern Maine, two local McDonald’s will host clinics today. In Houlton, at the McDonald’s on North Street, vaccines will be available from noon to 2 p.m. and in Presque Isle, the McDonald’s on Main Street will offer them from 4-6 p.m., according to the Maine CDC.