There are currently two types of qualified coolers being used to ship vaccines:
EcoFlex Coolers - Used for all frozen and most meduim, large and extra-large refrigerated shipment. These MUST be returned (instructions are printed on the inner flap of the box).
KoolTemp Coolers - Used for most small, refrigerated shipments. These can be discarded.
Each cooler includes a flyer with details for providers about whether and how to return it for recycling or reuse.
IMPORTANT: Providers must follow the cooler return process. Failure to return EcoFlex coolers will result in added costs to the VFC Program.
Please join the Maine Immunization Program (MIP) for our annual Respiratory Season Educational Lunch and Learn Webinar, hosted by MIP's Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Adult Education team.
New Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 @ 12:00 PM.
The webinar was rescheduled to allow the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) to meet on September 18-19, 2025. This ensures MIP can sharethe most up-to-date recommendations and available vaccines for the 2025-2026 respiratory season. Time will be reserved for Q&A at the end.
Topics will include:
Overview of vaccines available through VFC and Adult 317 Program for the 2025 – 2026 respiratory season.
Introduction to the newest RSV monoclonal antibody product, Enflonsia (clesrovimab) for infants. (Approved, but not yet available for ordering through MIP.)
Updated immunization recommendations for prevention of influenza, COVID-19, and RSV for all age groups.
Beyfortus (nirsevimab) 50 mg for infants remains open for ordering through ImmPact to all enrolled Vaccines for Children (VFC) providers for the 2025-2026 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) season (October 2025 – March 2026). Early ordering ensures availability and allows provider locations to have enough doses on hand prior to the start of the RSV season.
Infants born during the seasonal administration window (October 1 through March 31) should get nirsevimab within one week after birth – ideally during the birth hospitalization. Throughout March, any eligible infant or young child who has not yet received a recommended dose should receive nirsevimab at the earliest opportunity.
For infants born outside of the seasonal administration window (April through September) and for young children who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season, the optimal timing for nirsevimab administration is shortly before the RSV season begins (e.g., October or November).
Nirsevimab 50 mg: Available at maximum quantity of 50 doses per order.
Nirsevimab 100 mg: Available at maximum quantity of 75 doses per order.
Separate Orders Required: Nirsevimab orders MUST be placed separately from regular vaccines in ImmPact; combined orders will be denied.
Immunization Recommendations
Infants (Under 8 Months): All infants entering their first RSV season should receive a single dose of nirsevimab unless their mother received an RSV vaccine during pregnancy.
Children (8-19 Months): High-risk children (premature, chronic lung disease or severe immunocompromised) should receive 200 mg before their second RSV season.
Resources:
Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) at-a-glance resources for healthcare professionals on RSV prevention products.
The Maine Immunization Program (MIP) would like to invite all Vaccine Coordinators to provide an educational lunch and learn, specific to NEW primary and back up vaccine coordinators but encouraged for all to join. Being a newly assigned vaccine coordinator can be overwhelming; MIP’s Education team is here to ensure everyone’s success.
The educational training will review the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, the Adult 317 program and include an overview of ImmPact. Detailed guidelines about MIP best practices will be provided along with an open discussion and Q&A.
New Vaccine Coordinators attendance is requested for one of the following dates and times below to learn the role and responsibilities of being a vaccine coordinator:
What/Who: New Vaccine Coordinator 1:1 Educational Training
NEWLY assigned Primary and Back-Up Vaccine Coordinators 1:1 Educational Training.
For those unable to attend one of the above educational trainings, MIP will also accommodate individual 1:1 training as requested. Please reach out to ImmunizeME.DHHS@maine.gov for an individual training.
Join us every other Wednesday throughout the fall from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM for a demo and assistance session focused on the Docket for Schools Module.
This new tool is designed to support school nurses by providing quick and easy access to student immunization records and compliance status. With Docket for Schools, identifying immunization gaps and ensuring compliance will be more efficient and streamlined than ever.
We’re confident this application will be a valuable resource in your important work and look forward to supporting you through this transition.
For questions or additional information, please contact the ImmPact help desk at 207-287-3006 or ImmPact.Support@maine.gov
If you have any questions, please contact the Maine Immunization Program at: Main Line: (207) 287-3746 ImmPact Helpdesk: (207) 287-3006 / Support/Education: (207) 287-9972
