Governor Janet Mills' recent executive order significantly expands access to COVID-19 vaccines in Maine. This order empowers all healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, to administer the vaccine to all residents without requiring a prescription. This surpasses previous federal guidelines and addresses ongoing concerns about vaccine accessibility and affordability.
The Maine CDC now recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all children aged 6-23 months and all adults. Children aged 2-18 are recommended for vaccination if they or someone in their household is at high risk for severe COVID-19, or if they remain unvaccinated. Detailed guidance is available on the Maine CDC website.
Financial barriers to vaccination are being addressed. MaineCare will cover vaccine costs for its members, and private insurers are mandated to cover the vaccine without cost-sharing or prior authorization. Individuals with employer-sponsored self-funded (ERISA) plans should confirm coverage with their plan administrator.
While Maine pharmacies are working to make the vaccine readily available, patience is encouraged. Amelia Arnold of the Maine Pharmacy Association urges residents to allow healthcare providers time to implement the new procedures effectively. She emphasizes that this expansion is a crucial step toward broader vaccine protection.
However, concerns remain about vaccine availability for young children. Dr. Laura Blaisdell, a pediatrician and board member of Maine Families for Vaccines, highlights that pediatric practices currently lack access to COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 6 months to 18 years. The supply, ordered through the federal Vaccines for Children program, has yet to be released. The upcoming meeting of the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices may determine the release schedule for pediatric vaccines to the state.
The Maine CDC's website (Maine.gov/covid19) provides further information and updates on COVID-19 vaccine availability and distribution in Maine. The situation remains fluid, and continued monitoring of official channels is recommended.
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Originally published at: https://www.pressherald.com/2025/09/12/what-you-need-to-know-about-maines-order-to-expand-covid-19-vaccine-access/
