Update from DHHS on Vaccine Eligibility for Youth - May 11, 2021

Posted on May 11, 2021

• Kids Vaccination_EUA granted.pdf: Maine Providers May Immediately Vaccinate Youth Ages 12 to 15 Following Expanded FDA Authorization of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine May 10, 2021. Following the FDA’s expanded authorization of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, Maine providers may immediately begin vaccinating youth ages 12 to 15 with the verbal or written consent of parents or guardians. Maine’s immunization strategy is to vaccinate people as quickly and equitably as possible. As noted in the May 5 guidance, all Maine Immunization Program (MIP) providers who are able to offer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at their locations are encouraged to support this effort to immunize youth ages 12-17 in order to ensure widespread geographic availability. The initial approach to vaccinating adolescents 12-15 years old is to connect them with COVID[1]19 vaccine providers. After that, Maine will move forward with a systematic approach to ensure equity and access in all parts of the state. Providers are asked to notify Maine CDC Director of Vaccine Communications Lindsay Hammes via email at lindsay.hammes@maine.gov if you plan to administer vaccines to youth ages 12 and older. This will be noted on the public list of Maine vaccination sites
• MIP Information on the Updated Residency Requirement for COVID-19 Vaccines on May 4, 2021
• Pooled Testing: There is a NEW webinar with the Pooled Testing vendor, Ginkgobioworks, for today, Tuesday, May 11^th at 12:00 noon. This webinar will include more detailed information about the pooled testing program in Maine. If you are interested in Pooled Testing and have more questions about the program, this is an opportunity to get them answered. Click here to join the webinar: Webinar link Guidance on Pooled Testing is posted online Pooled testing FAQs