Alaska will allow anyone in the state over the age of 16 to get the COVID-19 vaccine, Gov. Announced Michael Dunleavy (R) Tuesday night is the addition of the measure “effective immediately”.
Why it matters: Alaska is the first state to allow people under 18 to get vaccinated and the first to drop eligibility requirements.
Details: “The Pfizer vaccine is available for people 16 and older, while the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and Moderna vaccines are available for people 18 and older,” said a statement from the governor’s office.
- This is in accordance with the recommendations of the FDA.
Of interest: Alaska made the vaccines available last week to people over the age of 16 with a condition where they are at risk of serious illness from COVID-19 or essential workers not covered by previous health, senior, and care services.
For the record: Regions such as Kodiak Island, the Petersburg Borough, and the Kusilvak Census Area are approaching or exceeding 90% vaccination rates among seniors, the governor’s office said.
- “In the Nome Census area, more than 60% of residents 16 and older have received at least one injection and approximately 291,000 doses have been administered nationwide.”
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.