Most states only offer shots to the elderly or other limited categories.
Alaska is the first state to allow COVID-19 vaccinations to every adult who wants them.
“Alaska will immediately become the first state in the country to allow anyone over the age of 16 the COVID-19 vaccine,” Gov. Mike Dunleavy said in a Twitter post Tuesday night. “This is an important step forward in our efforts to put the virus behind us.”
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 minimum age authorized by the Food and Drug Administration to use the Pfizer vaccine. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available to anyone over 18 years of age.
Most states still require specific qualifications for the vaccine, such as the elderly, essential workers, or those with underlying conditions.
“Nearly a year ago, the first positive COVID-19 case arrived in Alaska. Today, our state – due to the unintended efforts of Alaskans – is leading the country in the vaccination efforts,” Dunleavy added.
On March 3, Dunleavy opened vaccines to anyone 55 years and older, as well as essential workers – such as teachers, agricultural workers, first responders and the media – and those with underlying conditions.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 288,000 doses were administered to Alaska, with 170,993 people receiving at least one shot and 119,631 being completely vaccinated.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state gave the highest doses per 100,000 people in the country. With 41,376 completed, it is one of only two states that has given more than 40,000 doses per 100,000 people – along with New Mexico.
Alaska, with just 60,000 confirmed cases, is in 46th place in the U.S. – in Wyoming, Maine, Hawaii and Vermont alone, according to Johns Hopkins University data. Alaska has recorded 291 deaths, 38 of which since February 1. Only Vermont recorded fewer deaths. Most cases and deaths occur in Anchorage.
ABC Hart’s Brian Hartman contributed to this report.