Most states still offer photos only for the elderly or other limited categories.
Alaska is the first state to allow COVID-19 vaccines for any adult who wants to.
“With immediate effect, Alaska will become the first state in the country to allow anyone over 16 to receive the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy in a Twitter post late on Tuesday. “This marks a significant step in our efforts to leave the virus behind.”
You must live or work in Alaska to be eligible.
The vaccine will be available to anyone over the age of 16, which is the lowest age authorized by the Food and Drug Administration to use the Pfizer vaccine. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available for people over 18 years of age.
Most states are still requiring specific vaccine qualifications, such as the elderly, essential workers or those with underlying illnesses.
“Almost a year ago, the first positive case of COVID-19 arrived in Alaska. Today, our state – because of Alaska’s fearless efforts – is leading the nation’s vaccination efforts,” added Dunleavy.
On March 3, Dunleavy opened vaccines for anyone 55 and older, as well as for essential workers – such as teachers, farm workers, first responders and the media – and those with underlying diseases.
Alaska received 288,000 doses, with 170,993 people receiving at least one vaccine and 119,631 vaccinated completely, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
The state gave the highest total number of doses per 100,000 people in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With 41,376 distributed, it is one of only two states with more than 40,000 doses administered by 100,000 people – along with New Mexico.
Alaska, with just 60,000 confirmed cases, ranks 46th in the United States – behind only Wyoming, Maine, Hawaii and Vermont in the least number of cases, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Alaska has recorded 291 deaths in total, with 38 since February 1. Only Vermont recorded fewer deaths. Most cases and deaths occurred in Anchorage.
Brian Hartman of ABC News contributed to this report.