Maine has joined a coalition of northeast states and New York City to develop evidence-based vaccine and public health recommendations in light of changing federal guidance, Gov. The coalition, called the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, will share resources and information to respond faster to health emergencies, improve access to vaccines and medicines, and build public trust in science and health care. Officials say the goal is to better protect the health and safety of residents across the region. The move effectively allows the partner states to issue alternative guidance, amid concerns that ACIP has been politicized. Earlier this month, Mills announced a directive to the Maine CDC to allow everyone to access the 2025-26 COVID-19 shot without a prescription, going against federal guidance.