The state of Maine has applied for more than 12,000 doses of a coronavirus vaccine through the U.S. CDC and Operation Warp Speed.
Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services announced Friday that the order for Pfizer’s vaccine would provide enough to vaccinate 12,675 with the first of two required doses. It would be the first of many shipments that will be requested over the coming weeks and months, according to Maine’s DHHS.
No vaccines have been approved yet for emergency use authorization by the FDA, but that approval could come within the next couple of weeks.
“This is a significant step, but placing the order is not the same as having the vaccine in hand,” said Dr. Nirav D. Shah, Director of the Maine CDC. “We are confident that Maine CDC will receive these doses and are in position to administer them to the highest priority recipients, such as health care providers and residents of long-term care facilities. As we await potential FDA authorization, we are continuing our planning process and remain committed to efficient and equitable distribution of the vaccine.”
As per Maine’s vaccination distribution plan, the first doses will be given to frontline healthcare workers, and residents in long-term care settings who are at higher risk of developing severe illness.
The following locations will receive 975 doses each:
Maine Medical Center in Portland
Northern Light Mercy Hospital in Portland
Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor
Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston
Northern Light A. R. Gould Hospital in Presque Isle
Maine CDC
The rest will be administered to residents of long-term care facilities.
