State health officials say they are concerned that part of the reason for the excess of unfulfilled appointments was that many newly eligible Alaskans did not realize that they could now receive an injection.
“I was working (in the emergency department) this weekend and asking patients if they were vaccinated,” said Dr. Anne Zink, the state’s chief medical officer. “And many people just didn’t know that they were eligible and that it was their turn to be vaccinated.”
Last week, in addition to making the vaccine available to anyone in the state aged 55 or over, the state expanded the eligibility criteria to include “essential workers” aged 16 or over, regardless of whether they work in close contact with each other or with the audience.
That list includes: people who work in funeral services, restaurant workers, food delivery workers, farmers, energy workers, bus drivers, postal workers, clergy, meteorologists and laundry workers, all qualified, to name just a few .
“I think our main message that we want to send to Alaska this week is just to make sure people know that our eligibility has increased significantly since last week,” said Tessa Walker Linderman, co-leader of the Alaska Vaccine Task Force, during a call with members of the media.
“I really encourage any Alaskan who works to take a look at this document because there are many workers included as essential workers,” she said.
The state also expanded last week who was eligible for a vaccine to include anyone who has a medical condition that the CDC or the health professional of that individual says it could put them at an increased risk of serious illness due to COVID-19.
No medical certificate is required for the injection, but health officials are asking you to at least talk to your doctor to see if you qualify.
The list of this CDC includes those who May be at risk, as well as those who definitely are. This means: Alaskans with asthma, cystic fibrosis, a BMI that classifies someone as “overweight” or hypertension, among others, are now eligible.
Also eligible to get a chance now: anyone who lives in a multi-generation home or a community with limited plumbing; anyone who enrolls an elderly person to be vaccinated (be sure to make an appointment for each of you); anyone who is providing daily support to a “clinically fragile” person; and anyone who interacts with people in a congregated environment as part of their work.
“This is a very large and broad group, and I have said that if you think you can qualify, you probably do,” said Walker Linderman. She was not sure of the exact number of Alaskans who are eligible now, but “there are certainly enough people who could fill the vacancies if they knew they could apply,” she said.
You can also call 907-646-3322 to apply and confirm eligibility. The telephone line is open from 9 am to 6:30 pm during the week and from 9 am to 4:30 pm on weekends.
“We advise anyone interested in vaccination, if you are curious, just call our number,” said Zink. “We will tell you if you are eligible and even schedule your appointment for you at the same time.”