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To: Maine Immunization Program Providers
From: Maine Immunization Program
Subject: 2024 – 2025 Respiratory Season Planning
Date: August 23, 2024
As we prepare for the upcoming respiratory season, we want to ensure you have all the necessary information regarding the availability, eligibility, and where to get vaccinated with influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines.
This season, respiratory vaccines for both pediatric populations 0 – 18 years and adult populations 19 years and older (must be either under or uninsured), will be available. A variety of options for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV vaccination will be available through the Maine Immunization Program (MIP).
Influenza Vaccine
The updated influenza vaccine is available to all ages 6 months and older. Vaccine for pediatric age groups 6 months -18 years of age through MIP’s Vaccines for Children’s Program, as well as for under and uninsured adults 19 years and older through our 317 adult vaccine program. All influenza vaccines available this season are now trivalent (three-component).
Specific vaccine presentations offered by MIP for children 6 months through 18 years of age, MIP’s ordering parameters for specific populations (due to funding source restrictions), and the age indications approved by FDA are below:
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Trade Name/ NDC#
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MIP ordering recommendations for specific patient population
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0.2mL single dose sprayer, 10 pack
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Children 6 months – 18 years
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0.50mL prefilled syringe, 10 pack
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Children 6 months – 18 years
Adults 19 years and older (under and uninsured)
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0.5mL prefilled syringe, 10 pack
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Children 6 months – 18 years
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0.5mL prefilled syringe, 10 pack
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*Limited supply is available to under and uninsured adults, 19 years and older through the 317 adult vaccine program. If you are a 317 provider and interested in ordering, please email: MEAdultVaccine@maine.gov.
COVID-19 Vaccine (Not yet available to order)
Updated COVID-19 vaccinations, which have been adapted to emerging variants, are available with specific formulations for children 6 months – 18 years and for adults 19 and older who are under or uninsured.
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MIP ordering recommendations for specific patient population
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* Limited supply will be will be available to under and uninsured adults, 19 years and older through the 317 adult vaccine program.
RSV Vaccine (Not yet available to order)
RSV vaccines are available to older adults and infants. These vaccines are designed to provide protection and reduce the severity of respiratory infections during the peak season.
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MIP ordering recommendations for specific patient population
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infants <8 months of age born during or entering their first RSV season
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Adults 60 years and older
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*Limited supply will be available to under and uninsured adults, 60 years and older through the 317 adult vaccine program.
Vaccine Availability
Influenza vaccines are now available to order. COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are expected to be available to order in the coming weeks. We will update providers of ordering availability when we receive more information. The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get the updated COVID-19 vaccine when available, as it will target the newer variants currently circulating. The best period for vaccination is September and October though providers should continue vaccinating throughout the season. The RSV vaccines for older adults are included in this rollout, and efforts are being made to increase awareness and coverage in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
Nursing and Long-Term Care Facility Considerations
Nursing and long-term care facilities should prioritize ordering and administering respiratory season vaccinations to protect their vulnerable populations, including elderly residents who are at higher risk for severe complications from influenza, COVID-19 and RSV. Immunizing residents on site ensures a higher vaccination rate, reducing the likelihood of outbreaks that can lead to serious complications and increased healthcare costs.
If you are admitting a new resident into your facility, it is important to review all immunization records upon admission. Facilities should consider implementing a respiratory checklist protocol upon intake to ensure residents have received influenza, COVID-19, RSV, as well as pneumococcal vaccines, if appropriate. For other primary care providers, any encounter where a patient is being seen during respiratory season is an opportunity for vaccination.
Where to get vaccinated
Vaccines will be available at doctor’s offices across Maine, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and community vaccination events. In addition to these options, individuals three years and older can receive their influenza and COVID-19 vaccination at any participating pharmacy without a prescription. Additionally, RSV can also be given at a pharmacy to those 18 years or older.
Resources
Thank you for your continued commitment to keeping Mainer’s safe from vaccine preventable disease.
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