WASHINGTON D.C. — The Maine Department of Health and Human Services has received a total of $727,991 to support the distribution of any future COVID-19 vaccines, according to a news release.

The funding was awarded through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Through the CARES Act, and other measures, Congress has dedicated more than $6.5 billion in federal funding through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for the development of vaccines, treatments and other products to address COVID-19, per the release.

The Administration has allocated more than $2.2 billion of this federal funding in deals with five vaccine manufacturers for COVID-19, the release stated.

“While this funding is critical, it is also important to strengthen the ability of states and local governments to boost their immunization infrastructure,” said the release.