Maine, North Carolina Expand COVID-19 Vaccine Access Without Prescription

Governor Janet Mills of Maine has issued a standing order authorizing pharmacists and other healthcare providers to administer COVID-19 vaccines to residents without requiring a prescription, expanding access to vaccines for individuals six months and older. This move counters recent federal guidelines limiting vaccine eligibility to those 65 and older or with high-risk conditions, reflecting Maine's commitment to public health and vaccine availability. The Maine CDC supports the order by recommending vaccinations for children as young as six months and encouraging adults and older residents to receive boosters. Maine joins other states in maintaining broad vaccine access despite federal restrictions, with the Maine Bureau of Insurance ensuring coverage without cost sharing. A spokesperson from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services emphasized that their policies focus on evidence and the doctor-patient relationship, not restricting vaccines. This initiative aims to remove barriers and confusion, allowing pharmacists to resume a frontline role in vaccination efforts across the state.