Important – Next Steps for July 1 Program Expansion

sara

To: Maine Healthcare Providers

From: Maine Immunization Program

Subject: Important – Next Steps for July 1 Program Expansion

Date: June 4, 2026

 

As part of the upcoming expansion of Maine’s Universal Immunization Program to include adults ages 19-64, we are sharing the following information to help providers prepare for a smooth transition.

Existing Providers

If you currently participate in the Maine Immunization Program (MIP), requirements are minimal.

Beginning July 1:

  • Providers may order state-supplied vaccine for adults ages 19-64 who are uninsured, underinsured, privately insured or on MaineCare. State supplied vaccine for adults is limited to Maine residents only.
  • Providers may continue to administer privately purchased adult vaccine inventory until it has been depleted.
    • Providers may continue billing insurers for privately purchased vaccine while existing inventory is available.
  • Providers do not need to maintain separate inventory for each age group. A box of vaccine may be used across all ages if the vaccine is indicated for the patient’s age and administered following current recommendations. Any state-supplied inventory ordered prior to July 1 can also be used for adults.
  • Please do not overorder. We recommend that providers keep a 6-week vaccine inventory on hand. Do not order all adult vaccine presentations on July 1 if you have private stock remaining.
    • We expect this transition will happen over several months. Each vaccine type should be considered individually. As each type of vaccine inventory reaches the 6-week mark, replacement inventory should be ordered from MIP.
    • When placing future orders, please consider the number of patients 0-64 years of age when calculating your 6-week vaccine inventory needs.

317 Adult Providers

Effective immediately:

  • Adult 317 vaccine ordering has been paused in preparation for the July 1 transition.
  • Providers can continue to administer any existing 317 inventory until July 1.
  • If you need additional vaccine for your uninsured or underinsured adults prior to July 1, please contact the Maine Immunization Program.
  • Any 317 vaccine remaining in inventory after July 1 will be rolled into the expanded universal vaccine program. This vaccine can be used for all eligible patients 0-64 and your remaining quantity should be considered when calculating your 6-week inventory supply and the need to order additional vaccine.

Additional Information

  • There is no deadline to enroll. Providers may join the program at any time.
  • Providers should not purchase additional private vaccine, unless they have patients that are aged 65 or older or routinely vaccinate non-Maine residents. As a reminder, the only out of state individuals that can receive MIP supplied vaccine are those under the age of 19 who are Medicaid-eligible, under/uninsured, American Indian or Alaskan Native.
  • Additional communications will be distributed throughout June as we approach the July 1 roll out date, including a dedicated web page that will serve as the primary location for information on enrollment, eligibility, materials and resources, frequently asked questions and implementation guidance.

Expanded Immunization Program Office Hours

To support providers during the transition, MIP will host Expanded Immunization Program Office Hours every other Thursday at 12:00 pm, beginning June 25. Office Hours provides an opportunity to learn about program updates and ask questions about the transition.

Join the Office Hours:

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at ImmunizeME.DHHS@maine.gov or call 207-287-3746.

We look forward to working with you as we expand access to vaccines for Maine adults.