Alaska will receive another 52,900 doses of COVID-19 vaccine in January.
While the Phase 1a, Tiers 1 and 2 are still getting their first doses of the vaccine, Tier 3 Alaskans will begin their vaccinations on Jan. 4.
After that, the Phase 1b cohort will be senior citizens who are 65 years old or older, and those working in public safety, education, and other front-line workers. In another section of the guidance, the document says the vaccine will be available to those 65 years or older.
The 52,900 doses on the way in January include 27,300 doses of Pfizer vaccine, of which 7,800 doses are allocated to the Indian Health Service for Alaska Natives; and 25,600 doses of Moderna vaccine, with 8,400 of those doses reserved for Indian Health Service. That’s more than 28 percent of January doses reserved for Alaska Natives. Alaska Natives comprise about 18 percent of the population but have had serious health consequences from the virus.
Phase 1c will be prioritized for persons aged 65–74 years, persons aged 16–64 years with high-risk medical conditions, and other essential workers.
During public testimony last week, over 380 individuals and organizations submitted public comments about who should be at the head of the line for the vaccine. DHSS also had direct feedback from the Alaska Vaccine Allocation Advisory Committee. After review, the State of Alaska released the Phase 1b schedule.
