Is Maine part of a coalition of states seeking to broaden access to COVID-19 vaccines?

Maine has joined a coalition of eight northeastern states that are organizing to expand COVID-19 vaccine access amid new federal restrictions. Gov. Janet Mills also recently issued an order to broaden access to the vaccine, going against federal guidance.

Led by Massachusetts, the coalition includes all of New England (except New Hampshire), plus New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Democratic governors of California, Washington and Oregon have created a similar alliance intended to safeguard public health policies.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has narrowed eligibility for the latest COVID-19 vaccines, limiting approval to people 65 or older and those with underlying health risks. Previous guidelines made the vaccines available to anyone 6 months or older.

Mills’ order authorizes health care professionals to administer the vaccine to all Mainers without a prescription, mirroring a similar edict from Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, a leader of the northeastern coalition.