Governor Mills Announces Another Vaccination Milestone: 70 Percent of Maine People 12 and Older Have Received First Shot of COVID-19 Vaccine, Surpassing President Biden’s Goal Again

Governor Janet Mills announced today that Maine has reached another vaccination milestone, delivering at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine to more than 70 percent of Maine people eligible to receive a vaccine, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) tracker. Maine has now given at least one shot of a vaccine to 70.5 percent of Maine people 12 and older.

President Biden set a July 4 goal of delivering at

least one shot to 70 percent of adult (18+) Americans. Maine met that goal on May 12, 53 days ahead of July 4. With today’s achievement, Maine has again met that goal ahead of schedule, but now for a larger eligible population: people 12 years and older.

Currently, Maine is also the second best state in the nation in the percentage of residents who are fully vaccinated, according to the U.S. CDC. More than half (52.9 percent) of all Maine residents, including children who are not yet eligible for the vaccine, are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

“We are getting shots into arms at a nation-leading pace, seeing our case counts trend downward, and getting back to normal,” said Governor Janet Mills. “Maine people deserve to be proud of the progress they’ve made, but let’s not stop here: if you haven’t had your shot yet, I encourage you to talk to your doctor about why it’s safe to roll up your sleeve to protect your health and that of your loved ones.”

“We thank all Maine people who have contributed to reaching this milestone of having more than half our residents fully vaccinated,” said Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew and Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Nirav D. Shah. “These vaccines are safe, effective, and available at no charge throughout the state. There is no time to waste: we urge anyone who hasn’t yet gotten vaccinated to make an appointment or stop by a clinic and take this important step to protect themselves and their communities.”

On May 12, Governor Mills announced that 70 percent of Maine adults (18+) have received at least one shot of a COVID-19. That same day, the U.S. CDC voted to support the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization for use of the Pfizer vaccine for youth 12 to 15 years old. Maine immediately expanded eligibility to that age group and, two weeks later, has delivered at least one shot of a vaccine to more than one-third of these youth.

In addition to Maine, five other states — Vermont, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut — have delivered at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine to more than 70 percent of their populations age 12 and older, according to the U.S. CDC.

The percentage takes into account the number of people age 12 to 17 who have received at least one dose of the Pfizer vaccine, the number of people age 18 and older who have received at least one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, and the number of people age 18 and older who have received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccine is available at no charge at sites across the state. Through May 31, adults getting their first dose of the vaccine can get a “Shot to Get Outdoors” incentive. You qualify for a free ticket to the Sea Dogs or Oxford Plains Speedway; entry into the Maine Wildlife Park or a State Park; a free fishing or hunting license if eligible; or a $20 L.L. Bean gift card. For information on getting a COVID-19 vaccine, visit Maine.gov/covid19/vaccines or call the Community Vaccination Line at 1-888-445-4111.