AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) is preparing to place an order for first doses of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and single doses of Johnson and Johnson vaccine, for 34,020 people, to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Operation Warp Speed.

This is an increase of 520 doses, not counting doses controlled by the Federal government sent directly to certain pharmacies and clinics.

This supply of COVID-19 vaccines will be supplemented by doses the federal government will distribute directly to Walmart/Sam's Club pharmacies, Walgreens pharmacies, Hannaford pharmacies, and selected Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in Maine.

Maine CDC's order reflects the maximum number of new doses available to Maine for distribution. Maine CDC's order, expected to arrive early next week, will comprise 18,720 doses from Pfizer, 13,700 doses from Moderna, and 1,600 doses from Johnson and Johnson for the 14th week of distribution, starting March 15. Additionally, vaccination sites continue to receive and administer the second dose for individuals vaccinated with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines through a separate distribution process.

Combined with the previous orders, Maine expects to have enough to vaccinate approximately 386,375 people in the first 14 weeks of distribution, assuming the pharmacy chains and FQHCs get the same number of doses next week as this week.

As of March 10 (week 13), 463,877 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given to Mainers, including 293,566 people who have received first doses and 170,311 people who have received second doses of Moderna and Pfizer or single doses of Johnson and Johnson vaccines.

The dashboard on Maines COVID-19 vaccination website shows that 21.8 percent of Maine residents have gotten their first doses and 12.7% have received final doses. For just first doses, this includes 75 percent of Maine residents age 70 and older and 33 percent of residents age 60 to 69.

"The new doses distributed next week will allow Maine to continue ramping up COVID-19 vaccination," said DHHS Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew. "We are also excited to support groups of providers that are banding together to ensure their local eligible residents can get a vaccine."

"Next weeks allotment will allow us to surpass half a million doses administered since late December," said Dr. Nirav D. Shah, Director of the Maine CDC. "We still have a long way to go as supply remains constrained, so adhering to safety protocols such as wearing masks in public, washing hands frequently, and avoiding crowds remain important ways to keep each other safe as our federal partners continue their efforts to increase weekly vaccine allocation to Maine."

Currently, Maine residents age 60 and older are eligible to be vaccinated. Additionally, Maine residents who are educators, school staff, and child care workers can get vaccinated.

In the 14th week of distribution, the 34,020 first doses of vaccine will be sent to hospitals (28,950), the Maine CDC Public Health Nursing program (100), and outpatient groups (4,970). The Department continues to support coalitions of health care providers to vaccinate older Mainers in hard-to-reach areas. This includes 1,900 doses going directly to FQHCs as well as doses going to hospitals such as Northern Maine Medical Center, Penobscot Valley Hospital, Redington-Fairview General Hospital, and Pen Bay Medical Center that are working with community-based organizations to vaccinate those who may otherwise have limited access to a vaccine clinic.

Earlier this week, Maine DHHS announced its partnership with ModivCare, one of the organizations that coordinates rides for MaineCare members, to provide rides for any Maine resident who is unable to drive, lacks reliable transportation or is otherwise unable to travel to their appointment. ModivCare will in turn partner with Community Action Programs and transportation companies to provide rides. This new option is in addition to the transportation support that DHHS already offers for eligible MaineCare members who face challenges getting to their vaccine appointment. At least 48 hours before the vaccine appointment, individuals should call 1-855-608-5172 to reserve a ride. Information can be found here.