Yesterday the Mills Administration released the following statement after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded authorization to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children 12 to 15 years old.
“The Pfizer vaccine is safe and effective at preventing serious illness and death caused by COVID-19. Now with the authorization of the US FDA, Maine providers may begin immediately administering the Pfizer vaccine to children 12 and older,” said Governor Mills. “I encourage parents to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible to protect their health, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our state and to help us get back to normal sooner.”
“It removes an obstacle to school reopenings by reducing the threat of transmission in classrooms, and affords more of the nearly 17 million children in this age group opportunities to attend summer camps, sleepovers and Little League games,” according to a front page article, “FDA Approves Pfizer’s Vaccine for Ages 12 to 15,” in the May 11, 2021, issue of THE NEW YORK TIMES.
Today, during a virtual discussion with President Joe Biden about innovative ways that governors are working to get people in their states vaccinated, the Governor announced – “Your Shot to Get Outdoors” – led by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and a coalition of other parties. The Department has purchased numerous tickets, licenses and passes to popular outdoor activities that are free to qualified Mainers as long as the limited supply lasts.
Effectively immediately through May 31, 2021, Maine adults age 18 and older who get their first shot of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine in Maine will qualify to receive one of the following for free: a Fishing License, a Hunting License, Maine Wildlife Park Pass, Maine State Park Day Pass, L. L. Bean Gift Card, Sea Dogs Admission Ticket and an Oxford Plains Speedway Pass.
Maine adults vaccinated at a Maine vaccination site between Tuesday, May 11 and Monday, May 31 can register for these free gifts beginning on Monday, May 17, 2021 by calling the state’s community vaccination line at 1-888-445-4111. People will be asked to submit basic information. Quantities are limited and available on a first-come, first serve basis according to the press release issued today.