IMPORTANT reminders on COVID-19 commercialization

Maine Department of Health & Human Services sent this bulletin at 07/28/2023 03:40 PM EDT
Commissioner Lambrew letterhead

To: Maine Immunization Program Providers

From: Maine Immunization Program

Subject: IMPORTANT reminders on COVID-19 commercialization

Date: July 28, 2023 

 

In preparation for COVID-19 vaccine commercialization, we are reminding providers that the CDC will stop the regular threshold/replenishment ordering mechanism for all COVID-19 vaccines and ancillary supplies on August 3, 2023. As a result, ImmPact will be turning all COVID-19 ordering off on August 2, 2023, at 4:00 PM.   

With many individuals anticipated to wait to receive a COVID-19 vaccine until the new monovalent vaccine is released, the demand for the current vaccine is expected to significantly decrease in the general population. The new monovalent XBB.1.5 is expected to provide more robust protection against currently circulating variants.  

We anticipate the new XBB.1.5 to be available for ordering in the coming weeks. We will continue to keep you updated as we receive information from CDC. 

What you need to know 

NEW COVID-19 vaccines offered once fully authorized: 

We will be providing the following presentations of COVID-19 vaccine to the different age groups below. 

For 6 months to <12 years: 

  • Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine 
    • 6 months to <5-year  
      • 3 dose vials, and 30 doses per package. 
    • 5 - 12-years 
      • Single dose vials, and 10 doses per package.  
  • Moderna 
    • 6 month – 12 years  
      • Single dose vials, and 10 doses per package. 

For 12+ year old: 

  • Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine 
    • Single dose vials, and 10 doses per package. 
  •  Moderna COVID-19 vaccine  
    • Single dose vials, and 10 doses per package. 
  •  Novavax COVID-19 vaccine 
    • 12 + year old  
      • Single dose vials, and 10 doses per package. 

Vaccine Replacement Procedure: 

Following the availability of the new monovalent XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine, we will be including COVID-19 vaccines under our newly reinstated Vaccine Replacement Procedure. This will only apply to the XBB.1.5 COVID-19 presentation. No previous COVID-19 presentations will be included. 

This decision is being made based on the availability of single dose vials. This new packaging allows providers to place orders more frequently. Placing smaller, more frequent orders will allow providers to know what their uptake will be and will help to minimize wastage.  

As with all MIP-supplied vaccinations, it will be equally important to order only what you can reasonably administer within a six-week period.   

Should you have questions, please contact the Maine Immunization Program at (207) 287-3746 or email ImmunizeME.DHHS@maine.gov.  

Thank you for your continued efforts to ensure all Mainers have access to COVID-19 vaccination.