Yes.
Maine has joined a coalition of eight northeastern states that are organizing to expand COVID-19 vaccine access amid new federal restrictions. Gov. Janet Mills also recently issued an order to broaden access to the vaccine, going against federal guidance.
Led by Massachusetts, the coalition includes all of New England (except New Hampshire), plus New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Democratic governors of California, Washington and Oregon have created a similar alliance intended to safeguard public health policies.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has narrowed eligibility for the latest COVID-19 vaccines, limiting approval to people 65 or older and those with underlying health risks. Previous guidelines made the vaccines available to anyone 6 months or older.
Mills’ order authorizes health care professionals to administer the vaccine to all Mainers without a prescription, mirroring a similar edict from Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, a leader of the northeastern coalition.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
- Office of Gov. Janet T. Mills: At Governor Mills’ Direction, Maine CDC Issues Standing Order Expanding Access to COVID-19 Vaccine Amid Federal Roadblocks
- Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey: Governor Healey Announces Immediate Steps to Ensure Vaccine Availability in Massachusetts Amid Trump, RFK Rollbacks
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom: California, Oregon, and Washington to launch new West Coast Health Alliance to uphold scientific integrity in public health as Trump destroys CDC’s credibility
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: NUVAXOVID
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: MNEXSPIKE
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