Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services has received a total of $727,991 to support the distribution of any future COVID-19 vaccines.  This funding was awarded through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“In the midst of this unprecedented public health and economic crisis, it’s critical that individuals, families, and communities throughout the State of Maine are able to access the COVID-19 vaccine when it’s deployed,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.  “This important investment will help to ensure that all Mainers, regardless of age, race, income, or location, are able to access the vaccine and protect themselves against the coronavirus.”

Recently, Senator Collins led a letter signed by 27 bipartisan Senators, including Senator King, in requesting that the next coronavirus relief package include at least $5.6 billion in federal funding to develop and support vaccine distribution. 

Through the CARES Act, and other measures, Congress has dedicated more than $6.5 billion in federal funding through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for the development of vaccines, treatments and other products to address COVID-19.  The Administration has allocated more than $2.2 billion of this federal funding in deals with five vaccine manufacturers for COVID-19.  While this funding is critical, it is also important to strengthen the ability of states and local governments to boost their immunization infrastructure.