The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services announced on Wednesday that more COVID-19 vaccine appointments for the month of February will be available on Thursday for eligible Alaskans.
Which Alaskans are eligible in the current phase of the vaccine distribution plan? As of now, the group includes individuals aged 65 or older, health care workers, as well as long-term care residents and staff.
Appointments will be scheduled by vaccine providers throughout the day on Thursday, and according to DHSS, the bulk of appointments will be added around noon. As appointments are expected to go quickly due to limited vaccine supply, more appointments will be added on an ongoing basis.
DHSS also recommends that folks visit the online covidvax.alaska.gov hub, or call (907) 646-3322 to determine eligibility and to find a vaccine provider.
Alaskans aged 65 or older, people with disabilities, as well as their caregivers who may need help with the scheduling process can also call Alaska’s Aging and Disability Resources Centers for assistance. Call (855) 565-2017 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, and Saturday from noon until 8:00 p.m., then choose option #1 to speak with a person.
When will the group of Alaskans allowed to be vaccinated see an expansion? According to DHSS, the state is waiting on vaccine supply to increase. As of now, their latest press release notes: “We are prioritizing vaccinating people 65 and older because 70% of deaths from COVID-19 have been in this group of just 10% of Alaskans.”
