Announcements recently from Pfizer and Moderna announcing the potential efficacy of their respective COVID-19 vaccines is certainly welcome news. As we prepare for global and local distribution, understanding initial supplies will likely be limited, we checked into reports that the Maine CDC has published the four phases that vaccines will be delivered in our state.
According to the Maine CDC’s COVID Vaccination Plan, last updated on October 16, 2020 there will be four phases broken down as follows:
Phase 1:
- High risk workers in health care facilities and first responders;
- People of all ages with comorbid and underlying conditions that put them at significantly higher risk and older adults living in congregate or overcrowded settings.
Phase 2:
- Critical risk workers: workers who are both in industries essential to functioning of society and at substantially high risk of exposure;
- People of all ages with comorbid and underlying conditions that put them at moderately high risk;
- People of all ages with comorbid and underlying conditions that put them at moderately high risk;
- All older adults not included in Phase 1;
- Teachers and school staff;
- People in prisons, jails, detention centers, and similar facilities, and staff who work in such settings.
Phase 3:
- Children, young adults and workers in industries essential to the functioning of society and at increased risk of exposure not included in Phase 1 or 2.
Phase 4:
- Everyone residing in Maine who did not receive the vaccine in previous phases.
It is unclear where truck drivers and those who support the safety operations of the trucking industry – we would contend our essential workers would fall into Phase 2, but we are not completely sure. In an effort to add clarity, the MMTA has sent Governor Mills a letter outlining our position, concerns and request.
To view the letter, click here.
Once we hear back from the Governor’s Office, we will let members know the results so you can prepare accordingly.