JUNEAU, Alaska – Alaska has become the first state to withdraw Covid-19 vaccine eligibility requirements and allow anyone aged 16 or over who lives or works in the state to receive a vaccine, said Governor Mike Dunleavy on Tuesday. market.
The governor made the announcement after his own fight against Covid-19, which he described as a nuisance and said he underscored his own desire to be vaccinated. He said he was not seriously ill, but he did not want to “be put back in the house”, impact his family or possibly spread the virus to others.
He described expanding vaccine eligibility in Alaska as a “game changer”, particularly with the summer tourism season approaching and as the state seeks to rebuild its pandemic-torn economy.
He said he respects those who do not wish to be vaccinated and would like to report his personal experience to those who are thinking about vaccination. “I ask that you give due consideration,” said the Republican.
Dr. Anne Zink, the state’s medical director, said the authorities are seeing open vaccination appointments and want to act to allow as many people who want a vaccine to receive it. More consultations will be added as the vaccine is moved by the state and additional doses arrive, she said.
“In many ways, this seems like a giant milestone to get to the point where we can offer protection to anyone who wants it in the state,” said Zink during a news conference with Dunleavy.
Alaska led the percentage of states in its population to receive two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, according to the COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The state last week broadly expanded eligibility to include those aged 55 to 64 and those aged 16 who are classified as essential workers, at or potentially at high risk for serious illness due to Covid-19 or who live in families multigenerational or communities without water or sewage systems.
Previous-level groups included health professionals, people aged 65 and over, and teachers.
Two approved vaccines require two doses. A third, requiring a shot, is being launched.
The state has reported about 57,300 cases of Covid-19 residents and 301 related deaths since the start of the pandemic.