According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC), 80.2 percent of adults (18+) in Maine have received a COVID-19 vaccination, one of six states in the nation to reach the milestone.

This news comes at a time when the dangerous and highly contagious Delta variant is active in Maine.

“Vaccination is by far the most effective way to be protected from COVID-19 and the variants.  Vaccines are free and are available for those 12 and older without needing an appointment,” said Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The COVID-19 vaccine is available at no charge at sites across the state, and vaccination rates are up since the Delta variant was confirmed active in Maine. For information on getting a COVID-19 vaccine, visit Maine.gov/covid19/vaccines or call the Community Vaccination Line at 1-888-445-4111.

“If you haven’t had your shot yet, I encourage you to talk to your doctor about how getting vaccinated can protect your health and potentially save your life, ” said Governor Mills.

Maine is the third best state in the nation in the percentage of residents who are fully vaccinated, with more than 64 percent of all residents – including children under 12 who are not yet eligible for a vaccine – fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

But transmission levels in some counties are high, and officials are encouraging Mainers to protect themselves with masks in indoor settings in these counties with significant transmission.

Because transmission levels change daily, some Mainers have decided they will return to wearing masks whenever they are indoors in public settings, instead of trying to keep up with the changes.

The Delta variant is much more contagious and dangerous than the original COVID-19 viral strain. Officials are concerned that other variants may follow the Delta variant, and could be even more dangerous. Experts agree that the best way to fight that scenario is to get as many people vaccinated as possible.

To learn more about where you can get a COVID-19 vaccine, click here.