AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) – Governor Mills is changing the state to age-based eligibility when it comes to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and expanding the groups of people who can get the vaccine. With that, starting next Wednesday, March 3, those over 60 will be able to start the vaccination process.
During a press conference on Friday, Mills said the update was decided in consultation with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Maine Disease Control and Prevention Center. It reflects recent scientific data that indicates that age is among the strongest predictors of an individual’s likelihood of becoming seriously ill and dying of COVID-19.
Here is more information from the governor’s statement:
The planned schedule, which is subject to change depending on fluctuations in vaccine supply, including an acceleration if supply increases, is as follows:
March 3: eligibility expands to residents aged 60 and over
April: eligibility increases to 50 years or older
May: eligibility increases to 40 years or older
June: eligibility increases to 30 years or older
July and beyond: from 29 years old, including children awaiting authorization for a vaccine for them
“During the pandemic, my primary goal was to save lives and protect our most vulnerable people. A review of recent Maine CDC data indicates that age is a significant indicator of whether someone will be seriously ill or more likely to die if they contract COVID-19, ”said Governor Janet Mills. “Taking this into account, along with clarity, predictability and relative ease of implementation, I believe that this approach is the best option for saving lives and ensuring that the vaccine can be administered to as many people as quickly and efficiently as possible. We are undertaking the largest mass vaccination effort in history and I am indebted to the people of Maine for their understanding and patience as we make adjustments to reflect the latest science and put vaccines in the arms as quickly as possible. “
“Efficiency, equity and science continue to guide our vaccination strategy,” said Dr. Nirav D. Shah, director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. “Research that has been published in recent months shows consistently and strongly that age is important when it comes to the COVID-19 risk. As we work to vaccinate all of Maine’s inhabitants, from the oldest to the youngest, it remains critical that the people of Maine continue to wear masks in public, stay at least six feet away and avoid non-essential meetings with people who do not live with them. “
“Simple age vaccination will increase our vaccination rate on guns, helping us to win the race against the COVID-19 variant that is taking place in Maine and looking forward to a summer in Maine that, with masks and social distance, may seem normal , ”Said Jeanne Lambrew, Maine Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner. “While eligibility is extending to those in their 60s, we continue to work with health professionals and community partners to help those within this population who are older, who are at risk or at a disadvantage, or who can struggle to get the vaccination website or access appointments online. “
“Clinical studies show that age is the strongest indicator of hospitalization and death from COVID-19, and we support the governor’s decision to expand eligibility for vaccination to people aged 60 and over,” said Joan Boomsma, medical director of MaineHealth , the state’s largest integrated health system. “The incidence of serious illness and death increases with age, and prioritizing in this way is a direct and safe way to distribute the vaccine to those most at risk.”
As part of the vaccination strategy update, Governor Mills also instructed the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Maine Department of Education to provide dedicated vaccination opportunities for pre-K-12 school staff in the coming weeks. eligible for vaccination within the age categories. This planning is underway to ensure a simplified opportunity for the education workforce, and school staff can expect to receive information from the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services on when and where these opportunities will be provided. The governor hopes that by providing dedicated vaccination opportunities for teachers within their age categories, Maine will be able to further protect school staff and provide more consistency for schools in terms of advancing staff. In the interim, Mills Management acquired 250,000 rapid BinaxNOW antigen tests that it prioritized for schools and childcare providers to expand regular testing and support face-to-face learning.
All eligible Maine residents must make an appointment before receiving the vaccine. As it takes time to implement changes in eligibility, newly qualified people must wait to make appointments until next week. For information on Maine’s COVID-19 vaccination strategy, visit: maine.gov/covid19/vaccines, which includes a list of vaccination locations in Maine with information on scheduling options.
Although vaccinations have begun, COVID-19 remains a serious public health crisis and the people of Maine must continue to follow all health and safety protocols, including wearing masks, staying at home feeling sick, practicing physical detachment , wash your hands frequently and avoid meetings.
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