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Vaccination

Maine's Coronavirus Vaccine Effort Slows Down as Demand for Shots Plummets

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Maine has all but stopped ordering new coronavirus vaccine doses as the number of people seeking first shots has slowed to a crawl. With over 200,000 doses in circulation, the state is working to use up its stockpile as demand plummets. Health officials are struggling to prevent doses from going to waste, even as they prioritize getting as many people vaccinated as possible. As a result, small providers are cutting back on new orders and pursuing smaller clinics to ensure shots are used.

Key Takeaways:

  • Maine has slowed down its coronavirus vaccine efforts, with nearly 200,000 doses in circulation.
  • The state has gotten few doses in since May 17, with orders being "quite small," according to Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah.
  • Administration has plummeted from a peak of nearly 80,000 newly vaccinated people in early April to 7,100 last week.
  • Despite one of the nation's best vaccination rates, 450,000 people have not been vaccinated.
  • Providers are struggling to gauge demand, with some, like Charlie Ouellette, not ordering new doses since April.
  • Smaller providers, like Penobscot Community Health Center, are rescuing small doses to ensure they are used, even if it means some waste.
  • MaineHealth has not ordered doses in three weeks, but maintains a stock of Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

Statistics:

  • Maine has over 200,000 coronavirus vaccine doses in circulation.
  • The state has gotten few doses in since May 17, with orders being "quite small."
  • Administration has plummeted from 80,000 newly vaccinated people in early April to 7,100 last week.
  • 450,000 people in Maine have not been vaccinated despite the state's high vaccination rate.
  • Providers, like Charlie Ouellette, have staged roughly 150 doses on hand for weeks.
  • MaineHealth has carried out vaccine clinics at flea markets, concerts, and schools, and given out doses to other providers.

Sources:

  • Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Nirav Shah, Maine CDC Director
  • Theresa Knowles, chief quality officer at Penobscot Community Health Center
  • Robert Long, state CDC spokesperson
  • U.S. CDC, June 2021
  • Charlie Ouellette, St. John Valley Pharmacy in Fort Kent
  • Dr. Dora Mills, chief health improvement officer at Portland-based MaineHealth

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