Alaska 1st state to make COVID vaccine available to everyone over 16
Alaska Gov. Michael Dunleavy. Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Alaska will allow anyone in the state over the age of 16 to get the COVID-19 vaccine, Gov. Michael Dunleavy (R) announced Tuesday night, adding the measure is "effective immediately."
Why it matters: Alaska is the first state to allow people under 18 to get vaccinated and the first to remove eligibility requirements.
Details: "The Pfizer vaccine is available to individuals who are 16 and older, while the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and Moderna vaccine are available to individuals who are 18 and older," per a statement from the governor's office.
- This is in line with FDA recommendations.
Of note: Alaska last week made the vaccines available to people over 16 with a condition that puts them at risk for severe illness from COVID-19 or essential workers not covered by earlier provisions for the health, seniors and care sectors.
For the record: "Regions including Kodiak Island, the Petersburg Borough, and the Kusilvak Census Area are nearing or exceeding 90% vaccination rates among seniors," per the governor's office statement.
- "In the Nome Census Area, over 60% of residents age 16 and over have received at least one shot, and roughly 291,000 doses have been administered statewide."
Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.