Health Care Worker Vaccination FAQs

These FAQs address COVID-19 vaccination of health care workers in Maine under the final Maine DHHS rule, including changes from the emergency rule, and how this rule may relate to similar Federal rules, with the caveat that Federal agencies are the authorities on their rules. These FAQs supersede the FAQs on the emergency rule for immunization requirements for Maine health care workers.

COVID Vaccination Sites

DHHS issued a list of COVID vaccination sites to expedite the vaccination of licensed home health agencies' front-facing clinical staff. You are urged to identify a site and schedule your eligible caregivers for vaccinations as soon as possible (before the State begins the Phase 1B vaccinate rollout in the next few weeks). 

Information will be forthcoming regarding vaccinations for Phase 1B for essential front-line staff (including registered home care PSS and homemaker staff).

Please note that the State vaccination plan is to to proceed consecutively through the priority groups, however the rollout might not not always occur so precisely due to the need to maximize all of the doses Maine receives.

Questions? Please contact Karen Mason, Associate Director, Office of Aging & Disability Services, Maine Department of Health and Human Services

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All PPE requests must made directly through County Emergency Management Agencies.  Contact your county’s agency to find out how to submit your PPE order (each county agency has established their own order process).  The Alliance has a supply of disposable  3-layer face masks (ear loops and adjustable nose bridge) for purchase.

Available for purchase through the Alliance:  disposable  3-layer face masks (ear loops and adjustable nose bridge) and 2 oz hand sanitizers. CLICK HERE to order.

Maine Congressional Delegation Letter to Azar Regarding Urgency of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Educate Yourself & Staff

• COVID-19 Caregivers Guide
• COVID-19 Home Care and Hospice Guidance Document
• COVID-19 Home Care and Hospice Checklist
• COVID19-Fighting-Products
• CMS Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Home Health Agencies (HHAs)
• CDC On-Demand: What Clinicians Need to Know to Prepare for COVID-19 in the United States

Health Protocols

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask (facemasks are only needed for those who show symptoms of coronavirus).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

For More Information:

State Information

• Aging and Disability Services COVID-19 Resources
  
• Community-Based Organizations during COVID-19 Resource Page
• Maine CDC
• 211 Maine

• Federal CDC Website

• Coronavirus.gov
• Resources for Businesses and Employers
• Evaluating and Testing Persons for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)