The northern New England states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, all highly vaccinated, are suffering from surges that are taxing hospitals beset by staff shortages and sicker-than-usual patients.

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu told reporters Tuesday that the state is seeing its highest level of Covid-19 since the pandemic began, averaging about 1,000 new infections per day. He issued an executive order to help hospitals use their space more flexibly to add capacity.

Gov. Phil Scott has directed the Vermont Agency of Human Services to implement a universal booster program for COVID-19 vaccinations and is strongly encouraging every Vermonter over the age of 18 to get a booster.

Anyone who has received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is eligible two months after their first dose. Individuals who received a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine are eligible six months after completing their initial vaccination.

Vermont data shows boosters are already working to keep cases among the vulnerable populations lower, which can decrease pressure on local hospitals. About 50% of Vermonters over the age of 65 have received a booster.

Vermont has seen COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations surge for months. With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, health officials are recommending that people who plan to visit with friends or family get tested before and after gatherings.

But it can be hard to sort through the many rapid at-home tests now available, and understand how to use them effectively.

VPR’s Mitch Wertlieb spoke with Dr. Jessie Leyse, an infectious disease physician at Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin. Their conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

A man in Vermont says he has re-learned the true meaning of Thanksgiving — a process that deepened during a medical crisis.

“There’s so much to be grateful for,” said Thomas Jackson of Cornwall, who aims to live every day as if it’s Thanksgiving Day.

A seizure in July of 2020 led to a weeks-long stay at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. Doctors diagnosed the problem as originating with a brain tumor, which was removed ahead of tough rounds of chemotherapy and radiation.

“Everyone who knows anything about cancer is very surprised that I’m here this Thanksgiving,” Jackson told NECN & NBC10 Boston in an interview Thursday at his home. “As am I.”

Still, Jackson said he couldn’t feel sorry for himself throughout the ordeal — not with his attitude of gratitude. He works as a therapist and regularly meditates.