Maine Expands Universal Immunization Program to Adults Ages 19 to 64
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of immunization and encourage people of all ages to make sure they are up to date on recommended vaccines.
This summer, Maine made it easier for more people to access vaccines when the Maine Immunization Program expanded to include adults ages 19 to 64; building on the State’s longstanding program for children and increasing access to recommended vaccines across the lifespan.
The expansion means participating health care providers can receive approved vaccines at no cost, order pediatric and adult vaccines through one streamlined system, and offer adult vaccination at more locations across Maine.
Building on Maine’s Leadership in Immunization
Maine launched its Universal Immunization Program in 2011 to provide vaccines for children from birth through age 18. In 2025, Maine passed legislation expanding eligibility for recommended vaccines to adults ages 19 to 64.
With the expansion now in effect, Maine's Universal Immunization Program serves people from birth through age 64, including those who are uninsured, underinsured, privately insured, or enrolled in MaineCare.
“Today, Maine builds on its leadership as one of the best vaccinated states in the country for children by providing a way to get protection from vaccine preventable disease across the lifespan,” said the Maine CDC Director Dr. Puthiery Va. “Vaccines have saved more lives than any other public-health intervention in modern history.”
Adults age 65 and older continue to have access to recommended vaccines through Medicare coverage.
Vaccines at No Cost
The Maine Universal Immunization Program is a state-administered initiative that supplies recommended vaccines at no cost to participating health care providers and eligible Maine residents.
Providing vaccines to participating providers at no cost removes an upfront financial barrier to offering adult vaccination. There is also no cost to patients for the vaccine itself.
Providers may bill payers, including health insurers, an administration fee, but patients cannot be denied vaccination if they are unable to pay. Some adults may also qualify for manufacturer patient vaccine assistance programs.
Access to Recommended Vaccines
Maine’s Universal Immunization Program offers all vaccines approved by the Maine Vaccine Board. The Maine Vaccine Board periodically reviews the vaccine list to current evidence-based vaccination strategies.
Maine’s recommendations for the 2026-2027 immunization schedule align with recommendations from several major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Current information about adult vaccines and the child and adolescent immunization schedule is available through the Maine Vaccine Board and the Maine Immunization Program.
More Places to Get Vaccinated
The expanded program also increases opportunities for adults to get vaccinated.
Vaccines are available through more than 300 participating locations throughout Maine, including health centers, school and community clinics, and the offices of many primary care professionals.
Since the expanded Universal Immunization Program launched this summer, over 50 health care providers have enrolled or started the enrollment process.
One Streamlined System for Health Care Providers
The expansion also makes vaccine ordering simpler for participating health care providers.
Providers can now order both pediatric and adult vaccines through a single streamlined system. The Maine CDC has supported providers through the expansion with the Maine Immunization Program newsletter, office hours with program staff, communication with the Maine Vaccine Board, and resources available through the Expanded Universal Immunization Program webpage.
How the Program Works
Funding for the program is managed by the Maine Vaccine Board, which collects payments from health plans, insurance companies, and other payers to support the state’s purchase of vaccines.
Through Maine’s Immunization Fund, the state purchases vaccines at favorable rates and distributes them to participating providers at no charge. This eliminates vaccine purchase costs for providers and helps reduce adult vaccine costs for insurance carriers.
Keep Up to Date on Your Vaccines with Docket
Maine people can also use the free Docket app to access their vaccination records easily and securely from a smartphone or other mobile device.
Docket connects directly with Maine’s Immunization Information System and allows users to view vaccination histories, receive vaccine reminders, and share records with health care providers.
To use Docket, individuals must be age 18 or older and have a current phone number registered in the state’s immunization registry to verify their identity.
Check Your Vaccination Status
National Immunization Awareness Month is an opportunity for Maine people of all ages to check whether they are up to date on recommended vaccines.
As the school year approaches, families should make sure children and adolescents have the vaccinations they need for school.
Vaccines help reduce the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases such as influenza, pertussis, and measles. People with questions about recommended vaccines should talk with their health care provider and make sure they and their families are up to date.
By expanding the Universal Immunization Program, Maine is making it easier for public health, health care providers, communities, and families to work toward a shared goal: protecting Maine people from vaccine-preventable diseases throughout their lives.
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