OPINION: Vaccines are vital, and Maine is leading

By State Rep. MARC MALON, Contributing Writer

Do you know anyone currently suffering from polio? 

My guess is you probably don’t. But polio has existed throughout recorded human history, and the worst outbreak in the United States killed more than 3,000 people in 1952. It left countless others with lifelong health consequences. 

 

Finally, after years of research, Dr. Jonas Salk was able to develop the first effective polio vaccine. By 1961, only 161 cases in the U.S. remained. Salk was committed to ensuring that the vaccine was available to all, famously saying, “There is no patent. Could you patent the sun?”  

Life-saving vaccines have helped to all but eradicate some of the most dangerous diseases that affect humans. Now this progress, and the decades-long progress made against diseases like polio, measles and mumps is in serious peril due to recent actions from the federal government.  

Unfortunately, alongside the successful track record of vaccines, the anti-vaccine industry has sprouted up and flourished in recent years as a result of misinformation shared widely online. The unscientific views of anti-vaccine advocates gained an even stronger foothold due to the significant social disruption of the pandemic and the corrosive effect of social media. What was once an overwhelming bipartisan and nonpartisan societal agreement that vaccines are a good thing has sadly become polarized. 

Alongside the successful track record
of vaccines, the anti-vaccine industry
has sprouted up and flourished
in recent years as a result of misinformation
shared widely online.

And the groups that push these beliefs are profiting from their lies. In 2023, the Informed Consent Action Network, an anti-vaccine group run by Del Bigtree, who is an ally of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., reported $23 million in revenue. Kennedy’s own organization, Children’s Health Defense, has also raked in millions through the years. They push lies blaming vaccines for autism and various other maladies, use it to sell products and propaganda, and get rich off vulnerable people getting sick.  

This is why it is so distressing to witness Kennedy’s actions to gut the federal CDC and to stack vaccine advisory boards with anti-science skeptics, which will make it more difficult to effectively investigate rare but real cases of vaccine injury, and stifle necessary research and development. Right now, the federal CDC is attempting to restrict access to the COVID-19 vaccine for folks 65 and older and for younger people who have preexisting medical conditions, in contradiction to the fact-based guidance of experienced medical professionals.  

So, what are we doing about it in Maine? Thankfully, we have strong vaccine protections in place. Certain vaccines are mandatory for children to attend Maine schools, with exemptions only allowed for medical reasons. This helps preserve the herd immunity necessary to prevent the spread of life-threatening diseases. The weakening of standards in other parts of the country like Florida is still alarming. But that gives us more reasons to do everything we can to protect ourselves and our communities.  

For the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, the Mills Administration has issued a standing order to ensure that every Mainer who wants a vaccine can get one. The standing order essentially serves as a prescription for all Maine people, and it will allow them to get the shot at local pharmacies, clinics and health care offices. 

It also requires state-regulated health insurance carriers,  including those with MaineCare, to provide full coverage of the cost of the vaccine. The shot is recommended for all children from ages six months to 23 months, all individuals ages 18 and older, and children two to 18 years old based on risk factors – check with your children’s medical provider. If you want a vaccine, you should be able to receive your COVID-19 booster at your local pharmacy. I encourage folks to do so. I did it this week.  

Vaccine opponents like to paint the decision to vaccinate as purely a personal choice. The problem is that these personal decisions can impact other families and broader communities. The miracle of vaccination is a miracle of community, and when communities need action, our history shows us that we take it because we care about not only our families, but those around us.  

So, let’s band together once again, roll up our sleeves, literally, and not take for granted the hard work, sacrifices and medical advancements that have actually made America healthier for decades.  

______

Rep. Marc Malon is serving his second term in the Maine House, representing a portion of Biddeford. He serves as a member of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee and the Housing and Economic Development Committee. He can be reached via email at marc.malon@legislature.maine.gov. 

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