Alaska became the first state in the nation on Tuesday to lift all adult admission requirements to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) announced Tuesday that anyone who lives or works in Alaska and is 16 or older can get a chance. The Pfizer vaccine is available for those aged 16 and older, while the Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines are available for those who are at least 18 years old.
“This historic move is another nationwide first for Alaska, but it should come as no surprise. Since day one, your response to the pandemic has been without a doubt the best in the nation, ”Dunleavy said in a statement to Alaskans. “I couldn’t be prouder of Alaska’s response. From being the first state to offer comprehensive testing, to maintaining one of the lowest death rates in the country, to rolling out vaccinations for every willing Alaska, we’ve gotten here by working together. “
Alaska has had one of the lowest death tolls in the country at 305, registering just 91 new cases Monday, according to state data. There have been nearly 60,000 cases in the state since the start of the pandemic.
Dunleavy’s move puts Alaska ahead of all the other states, all of which still impose specific qualifications on residents to have a chance. Last week, he opened up vaccines to anyone 55 and older, essential workers, including first responders and teachers, and those with underlying health conditions.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Alaska administered the most total doses per 100,000 people from any state at 41,376. New Mexico is the only other state to have given more than 40,000 doses per 100,000 people.
States are doing their best to make vaccines more widely available to hasten the end of the pandemic. Although three vaccines are currently in circulation, experts have raised alarm about the spread of more infectious variants and a flattening of a drop in the number of cases across the country.