The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has filed a proposal with the secretary of state to remove the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers.
In a July 11 press release, the department said the proposal was based on evolving scientific evidence and trends including available clinical and epidemiological data about COVID-19, increased population immunity owing to vaccinations and previous infections, and decreased severity of the virus.
“Additionally, Maine healthcare professionals’ strong culture of patient safety has limited the risk of severe COVID-19 being spread among staff and patients,” officials said.
The decision is also based on improved treatments to combat the virus as well as declining infection and death rates, according to the press release….