National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is a yearly observance highlighting the importance of protecting children two years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). This year, in particular, it’s critical to ensure that families stay on track for children’s routine checkups and recommended vaccinations — even during COVID-19.
A CDC report released in May 2020 found a troubling drop in routine childhood vaccination as a result of families staying at home. CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that children stay on track with their well-child appointments and routine vaccinations even during the pandemic. As in-person learning and play become more common, on-time vaccination is even more urgent to help provide immunity against 14 serious diseases.
NIIW 2021 is April 24 – May 1, 2021.
Learn more about NIIW.
Acceleration of Maine’s COVID-19 Vaccination Timeline
Maine residents age 50 and older are now eligible for the vaccination. Beginning Wednesday, April 7, 2021, all Maine residents age 16 and older will eligible for vaccination. The accelerated timeline comes as some Maine vaccine providers are reporting availability of appointments and as Maine anticipates an increase in vaccine supply from the federal government.
Pre-Registration & Appointment System
The new pre-registration tool is now available! All Maine residents who are eligible or awaiting eligibility for vaccination, can pre-register here to be notified when appointments are available.
When a vaccination appointment becomes available, they will receive an email with a personal access code that allows them to look for available openings across a number of sites and schedule an appointment.
This system can be used by provider sites that either do not have a scheduling platform or are opting to use this rather than their own.
Community Vaccination Line
1-888-445-4111
The Maine COVID-19 Community Vaccination Line helps Maine people get information about vaccine clinics. This line is intended to supplement rather than replace current resource and is for individuals who are unable to navigate the internet. The Maine COVID-19 Community Vaccination Line will not provide faster access to clinic appointments.
Translation services are also available. Individuals may call the number listed above and state their desired language (for example: “Spanish”). Deaf and hard of hearing individuals may dial 711 and ask to be connected to the number above.
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FDA offers dozens of translations of the COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheets for recipients and caregivers
The FDA has posted dozens of translations of fact sheets for recipients and caregivers for each of the three authorized COVID-19 vaccines. Use these resources to help you communicate with patients about the importance of COVID-19 vaccination.
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Reminder: COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements
The Maine Immunization Program requires COVID-19 Providers to:
- Report immunizations in ImmPact within 24 hours of administration.
- Reconcile inventory at minimum once every 14 days.
We also ask that vaccine be administered within seven days of being received. If you have vaccine in your inventory that you will not be able to administer quickly, the Maine Immunization Program can assist you with transferring doses to another facility that may be in need of vaccine doses.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Quick Reference Guide for
Healthcare Professionals
The U.S. CDC has released a new guide that provides basic information on the proper storage, preparation, and administration of the currently authorized COVID-19 vaccine products in the United States.
COVID-19 Vaccine Ancillary Kit Syringe and Needle Deficiency Reporting
There are four steps to reporting to ensure enough information is gathered so problem trends in packaging and shipping can be identified.
- Report deficiencies to McKesson directly, the customer service desk is charged with responding to problems and identifying trends.
- Report deficiencies to the State Department of Health or clinic/hospital leadership who may then contact the Operation Regional Contact. This helps identify trends in problem equipment.
- If an error or injury occurs during vaccine administration, enter the information into Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).
- Because syringes are a medical device, complete FDA form 3500
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Health Equity Pop-Up Vaccination Clinic Application
Maine DHHS remains committed to the equitable distribution and uptake of the Covid-19 vaccines. Pop-up clinics hosted by community partners are an important resource to improve vaccine confidence and meaningful access to vaccination.
For more information and to apply to host a clinic, please visit the application page here.
Transportation to COVID-19 Vaccination Sites
Maine DHHS has partnered with ModivCare, one of the organizations that coordinates rides for MaineCare members, to provide rides for any Maine resident who is unable to drive, lacks reliable transportation, or is otherwise unable to travel to their appointment.
ModivCare will in turn partner with Community Action Programs and transportation companies to provide rides. This new option is in addition to the transportation support that DHHS already offers for eligible MaineCare members who face challenges getting to their vaccine appointment.
- People must have a vaccination appointment before requesting a ride.
- Requests must be made at least 48 hours in advance of their appointment.
- People can call 1-800-608-5172 to reserve a ride.
Click here for more information.
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