Thousands of additional Alaskans will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine starting Thursday, Feb. 11, according to the Department of Health and Social Services.
DHSS said Wednesday it was beginning the next tier of vaccinations, Phase 1b Tier 2, which includes Alaskans who are age 50 and older and who have a high-risk medical condition or work in an essential job around others; many education workers regardless of age; some COVID-19 response workers; and anyone who lives or works in certain congregate settings.
At a news conference Wednesday evening, Dr. Anne Zink, Alaska’s chief medical officer,said the state would not have enough vaccine in the month of February for all eligible Alaskans, but that additional shipments were coming.
“We anticipate more vaccine in March,” Zink said.
Other entities such as tribal health organizations and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs have their own vaccine procurement and distribution programs that cover certain Alaskans.
Information on eligibility and an eligibility quiz is available at the state’s website, covidvax.alaska.gov. All Alaskans eligible under past tiers are still eligible for vaccines, according to DHSS.
The City and Borough of Juneau is holding a vaccine clinic at Centennial Hall Feb. 11-12, and said in a news release Alaskans eligible under the new tier could sign up for the clinic.
[Appointments available for next city vaccine clinic]
Online appointments can be made at juneau.org/vaccine. Eligible individuals who do not have internet can call 586-6000 to make an appointment.
CBJ is asking Juneauites to make an appointment only if they are eligible to receive a vaccine under the updated guidance, are available for a second dose at Centennial Hall March 4-5 and are an Alaska resident who is currently living in Juneau and have physically been in Juneau for at least five days prior to the clinic dates, February 11 and 12.
People who have arrived in Juneau within five days of the clinic are asked not to make an appointment, CBJ said in the release.
• Contact reporter Peter Segall at psegall@juneauempire.com. Follow him on Twitter at @SegallJnuEmpire.
