Mike Dunleavy (R-AK), Governor of Alaska, speaks on July 16, 2020 in the White House in Washington, DC, during an event on Rolling Back Regulations around all Americans on the South Lawn in the White House on July 16, 2020 in Washington DC.
Jim Watson | AFP | Getty Images
Alaska on Tuesday became the first state to make Covid vaccines available to anyone 16 years of age or older who works or lives in the state, which is effective immediately.
“This historic step is another nationwide first for Alaska,” Government Representative Mike Dunleavy said in a statement, adding that he “could not be more proud” of Alaska’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Alaska’s move comes as other states expand vaccines to higher-risk populations, such as the elderly, frontline workers and those with underlying medical conditions.
The state health department reported a total of 57,304 resident cases, 2,461 non-residents and 301 deaths.
Alaska began shooting at health care workers and residents in nursing homes in December before the admission was gradually expanded into phases.
The state says it has administered more than 290,000 doses so far, with at least 119,000 people fully vaccinated. This means that approximately 23.6% of Alaska’s population has received at least one dose and that 16.4% have been vaccinated, according to the state’s vaccine panel.
The governor’s office has noted that some regions are already approaching 90% of vaccination rates among the elderly.
“A healthy community means a healthy economy. With total vaccinations available to all Alaska residents living or working here, we will no doubt see our economy grow and our businesses thrive,” Dunleavy said.