Maine Prepares to Receive Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Doses, Expands Distribution to Underserved Communities

Strategic Insights -

As the state continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, Maine's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has announced plans to receive an additional 54,790 vaccine doses from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) and Operation Warp Speed. This is an increase of 9,590 doses, not counting those sent directly to pharmacies and clinics. The vaccine supply will be split among various distribution channels, including hospitals, outpatient groups, independent pharmacies, public safety, and home health and hospice. Maine CDC's order reflects the maximum number of new doses available to the state for distribution.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Maine CDC is preparing to receive 54,790 additional vaccine doses from the U.S. CDC and Operation Warp Speed, an increase of 9,590 doses.
  • The vaccine supply will be distributed among hospitals (38,550), outpatient groups (8,240), independent pharmacies (3,700), public safety (4,000), and home health and hospice (300).
  • In addition to direct Federal allocation, Federally Qualified Health Centers will receive 2,100 doses to help vaccinate eligible people in underserved communities.
  • Maine is working with independent pharmacies and emergency medical services to support pop-up clinics in underserved communities.
  • The Department is offering free rides to and from appointments for those who struggle to get to a vaccination site.
  • The Community Vaccination Line (1-888-445-4111) provides translation services and assistance with scheduling appointments.
  • Residents can pre-register for vaccination on VaccinateME.Maine.gov, regardless of eligibility status.
  • The state aims to vaccinate with equity at high velocity and avoid wasting any vaccine doses.

Statistics:

  • As of March 31 (week 16), 712,798 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given to Mainers.
  • 435,700 people have received first doses, and 277,098 people have received second doses of Moderna and Pfizer or single doses of Johnson and Johnson vaccines.
  • 32.4% of Maine residents have gotten their first doses, and 20.6% have received final doses.
  • 72% of Maine residents age 60 and older have received first doses, and 37% of residents age 50-59 have received first doses.
  • Over the next week, Maine expects to reach 2/3 of Maine residents ages 50-59 with first doses.

Sources:

  • The Maine Department of Health and Human Services press release
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Operation Warp Speed
  • VaccinateME.Maine.gov
  • Maine's COVID-19 vaccine website