Alaska Is The First State To Offer The COVID-19 Vaccine To People 16 And Older

Alaska is the first state in the United States to offer Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to anyone 16 and older.

“This historic step is yet another nationwide first for Alaska, but it should come as no surprise. Since day one, your response to the pandemic has been hands-down the best in the nation,” Governor Mike Dunleavy said in a statement. “I couldn’t be prouder of Alaska’s response. From being the first state to offer widespread testing, to maintaining one of the lowest mortality rates in the country, to rolling out vaccinations to every willing Alaskan, we got here by working together.”

Effective immediately, Alaska will become the 1st state in the nation to allow anyone over the age of 16 to get the COVID-19 vaccine. This marks a significant step forward in our efforts to put the virus behind us. #akgov #CovidVaccine

— Governor Mike Dunleavy (@GovDunleavy) March 10, 2021

According to the HuffPost, the Pfizer vaccine is the only vaccine approved for 16 and 17-year-olds. The other two vaccines, Moderna and single-dose Johnson & Johnson, are available for individuals 18 and older. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alaska has fully vaccinated 16% of its population — the country’s highest rate of vaccination.

“I hope today’s announcement clears it up for you: Simply put, you are eligible to get the vaccine,” Adam Crum, the commissioner of Alaska’s Department of Health and Social Services, said.