2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccination
Frequently Asked Questions
For vaccines to be broadly distributed and administered, they must first go through a federal review process. The standard process begins with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, followed by review and recommendation by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and finalized with sign off by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As the federal approval process for the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine recommendations is actively underway, Maine has taken action to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines for individuals who would like it. Information is subject to change and updates will be made available as information is confirmed.
The FDA approved the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine for certain populations on August 27. The federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is scheduled to meet September 18-19 to review the FDA approval and determine recommendations for the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine use. These recommendations will then require final sign-off from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services before vaccines become more broadly available.
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) strongly values the personal and public health benefits of immunization and remains committed to providing clear, evidence-based information that allows the people of Maine to make informed health care decisions. On September 12, the Maine CDC issued a standing order (PDF) authorizing qualified health care professionals -- including pharmacists -- to administer the 2025- 2026 COVID-19 vaccine, in advance of receiving further federal guidance from ACIP, which is expected later this month. With this order, qualified health providers may continue to order, prescribe, and administer FDA-approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccines in Maine. The standing order serves as the prescription for any person eligible to receive the vaccine in Maine, thus allowing for more widespread administration at pharmacies. These actions will reduce barriers by recommending vaccinations consistent with national medical guidelines, and by making the vaccine more available at pharmacies, where the majority of Maine people typically obtain their COVID-19 immunizations.
The goal of the Administration, including the Maine CDC, is to prevent any medically-unnecessary restriction of vaccines, so that Maine people may be able to consult with their health care provider and decide what is in the best interest of their health.
To provide clarity to the extent possible while federal action is pending, the Maine CDC is sharing the following information, which is current as of September 12, 2025:
What is a standing order?
A standing order is an official directive that enables authorized health care professionals (such as physicians, nurses, and pharmacists) to administer a medication or vaccine to groups of patients without a patient-specific prescription. It can streamline access, reduce barriers, and ensure consistency across the state.
What does the standing order issued by the Maine CDC authorize?
On September 12, 2025, the Maine CDC issued a standing order authorizing qualified health care providers across the state to administer the newly approved 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax) to those individuals recommended by major medical associations and the Maine CDC. This allows Mainers to get vaccinated at participating pharmacies, clinics, and health care offices without needing a prescription from their doctor.
Who should get vaccinated?
All eligible individuals six months and older should receive routine COVID-19 vaccination. Major medical associations -- including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists -- recommend vaccination for most people, including children, adults, and pregnant or recently pregnant individuals.
Who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine?
National, expert medical associations continue to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for most people. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends COVID-19 vaccine for all children 6 through 23 months, and for children 2 to 18 years based on risk factors (and provides a separate list of high-risk conditions). The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends COVID-19 vaccine for adults 18 years of age and older. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends COVID-19 vaccine for individuals contemplating pregnancy, currently pregnant, recently pregnant, and lactating individuals.
Under this standing order, all recommended individuals six months and older can receive routine COVID-19 vaccination.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 65 years and older and people 6 months to 64 years old with conditions that put them at high risk for severe illness from COVID.
How can I get a COVID-19 vaccine today?
If you would like a COVID-19 vaccine today, contact your provider or pharmacy to see if they have vaccine.
Please note: many providers order vaccines for children 6 months to 18 years through the Maine Immunization Program. The 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine is not yet available for ordering through this program and will not be until there is additional guidance following the upcoming ACIP meeting scheduled in September. This may limit what providers have available for children 6 months to 18 years old.
Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
As a result of the standing order, COVID-19 vaccines will be available through health care providers, pharmacies, and clinics statewide. However, you should call ahead to make sure they have it in stock.
Will my insurance cover the COVID-19 vaccine?
You will need to check with your health insurance plan to understand whether the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine is covered. Unlike during the pandemic, not all insurance carriers cover the COVID-19 vaccine, and there are fewer programs to cover the cost for individuals who are uninsured or under-insured.
The Maine Bureau of Insurance issued a bulletin to state-regulated Maine health insurance carriers reinforcing that they are required under State law to provide full coverage of the cost of the COVID vaccine when administered consistent with recommendations of the medical academies. MaineCare, the state's Medicaid program, also covers COVID-19 vaccination for all eligible members.
Has the COVID-19 vaccine changed for this year? Why was the 2025-2026 vaccine approved for fewer people?
The 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine is updated based on currently-circulating strains of the COVID-19 virus. While the FDA approved the vaccine for a smaller segment of the population than in the past, its approval indicates the vaccine is considered safe for an otherwise healthy person to get the vaccine if they choose.
Who is considered a health care provider?
Health care providers (HCPs) include physicians, physician assistants, registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Under Maine law, HCPs may delegate activities related to medical assistants and other medical support staff.
What responsibilities do health care providers have in administering vaccines?
Health care providers must follow the requirements in administering a vaccine, including providing patients with requisite information, maintaining adequate records, and adhering to reporting requirements. Vaccinators should know how to recognize and respond to vaccine reactions and report all adverse events.
What qualifies as high risk for severe COVID infection?
Individuals with underlying medical conditions or risk factors may be at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. According to the Standing Order for Administration of 2025--2026 Covid-19 Vaccines, there are 22 qualifying conditions that put someone at risk of severe COVID-19 infection, including, but not limited to, asthma, cancer, obesity, diabetes and pregnancy. This list does not include all medical conditions that place a person at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.