Alaska on Tuesday expanded an already wide list of people eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in the state, including everyone 16 years and older living or working in the state.
Government officials announced the change ahead of a live briefing with Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Tuesday at 5 p.m.
The change in suitability makes Alaska the first U.S. state to remove the requirements for the COVID-19 vaccine, state officials said in a statement.
The move comes just a week after the state opened vaccinations for anyone 16 years and older who has a condition that puts them at risk for serious illnesses due to COVID-19 or who are working in an essential job (which is broadly defined ), as well as all Alaskans older than 55. Educators, health care workers, the elderly and others in the state have already been eligible according to previous guidelines.
Several tribal health organizations using separate doses through the Indian Health Service have vaccinated people aged 16 and older in many communities across the state.
Alaska has so far vaccinated a higher percentage of its population than any other state. By Tuesday, a quarter of its total population was at least partially vaccinated, compared to a national average of about 18%.
This is an evolving story. Check back for updates.