Thank you to everyone who attended the Maine Immunization Program's Annual Respiratory Season Lunch and Learn Webinar on Wednesday, September 24. For those unable to join, the presentation slides are available on our website.
We received many great questions during the session and want to share them with you all:
Q: Regarding the influenza vaccine and eggs... does the vaccine have egg in it? Is it safe for someone who has any sort of allergy to egg?
Yes, people with egg allergy may receive any flu vaccine (egg-based or non-egg-based) that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health status.
Q: Are we required to have COVID-19 vaccine on hand?
We encourage providers to offer COVID-19 vaccines; however, we are not requiring all providers to have it in stock. As an enrolled Vaccines for Children (VFC) location, you may not turn any child away if parent/guardian is requesting immunization. Sites may order COVID-19 as needed based on patient population and vaccine need. MIP recommends sites to partner with other VFC locations to either vaccinate those patients or sites may coordinate transferring doses as needed. Each site must have a plan to offering and making COVID-19 vaccine accessible for those 6mos -18 years of age, ensuring to not turn any child away.
Q: When are COVID-19 vaccines for kids going to be made available for offices?
We are currently awaiting the final approvals from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) before this season’s 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines are released for distribution. Doses are expected “within the next week”.
Q: Is the RSV maternal vaccine, Abrysvo, administered as a one-time dose or given during subsequent pregnancy?
It is currently not recommended that pregnant patients who received the maternal RSV vaccine during their last pregnancy receive an additional dose during a subsequent pregnancy. Clinicians should review the patient’s medical record to confirm vaccination status. For patients vaccinated in a previous pregnancy, their infants should receive a monoclonal antibody.
Q: If a mom received the RSV vaccine in January and the baby is born in March- does the baby qualify for a dose entering the season since they aren't covered past 6 months?
No, the baby is considered protected from RSV if Abrysvo was administered to the mother at 32-36 weeks' gestation. Maternal antibodies protect the baby against RSV for approximately 6 months after birth.
For infants born outside of the seasonal administration window (which is 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 infant RSV antibody administration is shortly before the RSV season begins (e.g., October or November).
Q: Is there any difference in side effect profiles for the new RSV monoclonal antibody, Enflonsia (clesrovimab)?
The most common adverse reactions were injection-site erythema (3.8%), injection-site swelling (2.7%), and rash (2.3%).
Do not administer ENFLONSIA to infants with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, to any component of ENFLONSIA.
Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been observed with other human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibodies. If signs or symptoms of a clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction or anaphylaxis occur, initiate appropriate medications and/or supportive therapy.
Q: Is there any routine post immunization counseling on side effects for the new RSV monoclonal antibody, Enflonsia (clesrovimab)?
Merck provides a helpfulpatient information sheet explaining the use and potential side effects of Enflonsia (clesrovimab)
Q: If a mother received Abrysvo for her first pregnancy, should her second child get Beyfortus?
Yes – maternal RSV (Abrysvo) is only indicated for one pregnancy. Any future births, the infant would receive an RSV monoclonal antibody (either nirsevimab or clesrovimab).
Q: Is it possible that insurance companies won't cover the COVID-19 vaccine now? And will this include out of state insurance
“Health plans are committed to maintaining and ensuring affordable access to vaccines. Health plan coverage decisions for immunizations are grounded in each plan’s ongoing, rigorous review of scientific and clinical evidence, and continual evaluation of multiple sources of data.
“Health plans will continue to cover all ACIP-recommended immunizations that were recommended as of September 1, 2025, including updated formulations of the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, with no cost-sharing for patients through the end of 2026.
“While health plans continue to operate in an environment shaped by federal and state laws, as well as program and customer requirements, the evidence-based approach to coverage of immunizations will remain consistent.”
Q: If we have Beyfortus from last year that will expire before the 1st of October, we can’t give it, correct? Are there any thoughts about extending the season as we are already seeing it?
Do not administer nirsevimab past the expiration date. Ensure doses have been stored properly and nirsevimab may be given up until the expiration date.
Nirsevimab dose expiration dates will not be extended. Please return any expired doses following the returns module in ImmPact.
MIP has plenty of nirsevimab available for ordering:
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.
Clesrovimab will be available for ordering in early October. Notification will be sent out as soon as doses become available.
The Maine CDC’s new vaccine campaign, “Ask Your Doc” launched on September 24. The campaign uses a little humor to encourage people to ask their health care providers about vaccines rather than getting advice from friends, family, and others with no medical background. The campaign site https://www.askyourdoc.org has ads directing people to the site for more details. While “Ask Your Doc” is used as a campaign logo, other terms are used in the call to action, including encouraging people to talk with their health care provider, doctor, and pharmacist.
The Maine CDC issued a Health Advisory Notice (HAN) with updated guidance following the September ACIP meeting. We will continue to:
Support MMRV as an available option for children under 4 years of age.
Recommend newborn hepatitis B vaccination within 24 hours of birth.
Maintain Maine's COVID-19 Standing Order for 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines.
ACIP is the federal advisory committee that has historically played a key role in providing evidence-based vaccine recommendations. While recent changes in the advisory process have limited the participation of respected medical organizations such as American Academy for Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Maine CDC continues to value the guidance of these trusted professional groups. Maine CDC remains committed to utilizing all available, credible, science-based resources to ensure immunization recommendations for the people of Maine reflect the best practices and strongest available evidence.
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
