PORTLAND, Maine (AP) The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention is launching free immunization clinics for children in advance of the new school year because of the impact the coronavirus pandemic had on pediatric visits.

The agency said the pandemic caused many families in the state to skip well-child visits, and that meant some children fell behind on immunizations. It’s opening catch-up clinics all over the state starting on Monday.

The clinics are scheduled to last through at least the end of August.

“COVID-19 has disrupted our lives in many ways, including presenting new challenges in getting to wellness and preventative care visits,” said Nirav Shah, director of the Maine CDC.

The vaccines are available to children age 18 or younger at no cost, Maine CDC said.