Some answers to a few common questions on Maine’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign ahead of additional details expected to be released by the Mills administration this week.
The Mills administration is expected to provide additional details this week about the rollout of vaccinations for Mainers age 65 and older along with other adults with high-risk medical conditions. Here are is information on what we know now — and are still waiting to learn — about Phase 1B of Maine’s COVID-19 vaccination plan. Have other questions? Email them to [email protected]. Vaccinations of older Mainers will likely be broken up into at least two groups, starting with those age 70 and over either later this month or in early February. Gov. Janet Mills announced last week that her administration was moving older Mainers closer to the front of the line for vaccinations as the state gradually rolls over from Phase 1A (focused on health professionals, public safety employees and long-term care homes) into Phase 1B. That transition is expected to begin before Phase 1A entirely wraps up potentially later this month, although there is significant confusion about how many vaccines states can expect to receive from the federal government. Residents between the ages of 65 and 69 will also be included in Phase 1B but will likely be vaccinated in a later stage after those age 70 or older. Timing depends on the pace of vaccine delivery to Maine and administration to patients. Additionally, adults of all ages with high-risk medical conditions will also be eligible for vaccination during Phase 1B. Specifics have yet to be announced, however, and the Mills administration has suggested that older residents within those high-risk groups or people who have more than one pre-existing condition might be given first priority.
