Beginning Tuesday, anyone in the state of Alaska 12 years of age or older can receive a free COVID-19 vaccination at airports in Juneau, Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Department of Health and Social Services announced.
Visitors to Alaska from other states or countries are eligible at the airport clinics or at any clinic or event where COVID-19 vaccine is being offered, DHSS said in a release.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced the plan in April, as part of a larger effort to help the tourism industry.
“We’ve already received calls from tourists who want to be vaccinated here, and some who plan to stay three to four weeks to receive their second vaccine,” DHSS Commissioner Adam Crum said in the release.
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In Juneau, walk-in vaccinations are available at the Juneau International Airport seven days a week from 12:30-9:30 p.m., according to a release from the City and Borough of Juneau. The vaccinations are administered by the private Capstone Clinic in coordination with DHSS, according to the city.
Capstone is currently offering the Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccines at the airport near the baggage claim area, CBJ said. Pfizer is authorized for ages 12 and up and Johnson and Johnson for ages 18 and up.
Clinics at all three airports will be open every day, DHSS said, but hours and vaccine availability may change.
Vaccinations are not required for entry into Alaska, but the state is encouraging both residents and travelers to receive them. Coronavirus testing services are still available at airports as well, DHSS said, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still requires testing for international travelers, even if fully vaccinated.
• Contact reporter Peter Segall at psegall@juneauempire.com. Follow him on Twitter at @SegallJnuEmpire.
