Advocates fighting against the repeal of Maine's new vaccine law this week filed statements explaining the negative effects of the proposed repeal.

Maine law allows for up to three statements by proponents and three by opponents to be included in a "Citizens' Guide" which will be distributed to town halls and public libraries in advance of any ballot question initiative such as referenda or "peoples' vetoes." The guide will also be posted on the Maine Secretary of State's website.

Statements explaining the safety and effectiveness of vaccines were filed by Maine Families for Vaccines, Dr. Deb Hagler and the Maine chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Peter Michaud, JD, RN as a private citizen. 

In related news, the Maine CDC reported 11 hospitalizations and 3 outbreaks of influenza in the past week. The hospitalization figure is on a par with 2018, but outpatient visits for diagnosis and treatment are up.