As the seasons change and the summer begins, I’ve seen lots of things at the grocery store I’ve missed since last year — rhubarb, fiddleheads, and the bright smiles of my neighbors, who are fully vaccinated and no longer need a mask when they’re out and about.

The last 16 months of the COVID-19 pandemic were long and difficult for all of us. Some lost loved ones, many lost jobs or caregiving support, and we all missed out on time together. Every one of us made sacrifices to protect our friends and neighbors — wearing masks, physically distancing, and staying home when we could. Thank you for your diligence.

As we reemerge from a year of lockdowns and physical distancing, we’re all ready for a more normal summer with our family and friends. The best way to do that is to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, highly effective, and the primary reason for a dramatic reduction in COVID-19 cases in Maine. Recently, our state saw a 60% drop in cases in two weeks, largely due to our successes in getting vaccinated. In fact, Maine is one of the most vaccinated states in the country – and we’re starting to see the benefits.

Living up to our motto of Dirigo (Latin for “I lead”), Maine has one of the highest vaccination rates per capita in the nation. The Maine CDC reports that almost 65% of Mainers over the age of 12 are fully vaccinated, totaling more than 1.5 million shots distributed thus far. Because the vaccines are so effective, the Mills administration lifted the mask mandate and will end the pandemic state of emergency at the close of June.

Even though we’ve made significant progress in the last few months, we still have more work to do before we reach herd immunity. There remain unfortunate disparities in vaccine rates in Maine. For example, Cumberland County boasts the highest vaccination rate, but more rural counties, like Somerset County, have a much lower rate of vaccination. Younger Mainers have a lower rate of vaccination as well: about 43 percent of those ages 12-39 are fully vaccinated in Maine, compared to 73 percent of those 40 and older. I’m proud of the work Maine CDC has done to reduce these disparities, such as the mobile vaccination clinic—which has visited breweries, baseball games, airports, and high schools across our state. The mobile clinic distributed more than 500 shots a day at its peak, helping to reach people in our most rural towns and our biggest cities to ensure everyone can get vaccinated.

President Biden has set a goal of having 70% of our nation’s residents vaccinated by July 4th. According to NPR, as of June 14, nearly 65% of US adults have gotten at least one COVID-19 shot. We can’t get complacent – if you haven’t been vaccinated yet, you can find an appointment near you at vaccines.gov. Vaccines are readily available, with minimal time commitment and at no cost to you.

The path we took to get here was long: during the earliest days of the pandemic, Mainers did their part to keep their neighbors safe, and when it was their time, they rolled up their sleeves and got the vaccine. Thanks for doing your part.