Last Friday, the first COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Downtown Talkeetna drew about thirty people.
Held at the Denali Education Center building, formerly Northern Susitna Institute, the clinic was staffed by Mat-Su Public Health and local volunteers. Public Health Nurse Sonja Engle does much of her work in the Northern Susitna Valley. She says the Pfizer vaccine is currently in a bit higher demand than the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
“We do have more people opting for Pzier right now, partly because that one is for those twelve [years old] and older. So we’re really trying to target youth right now who are eligible for the vaccine before school starts.”
While the Pfizer vaccine is approved for a wider age group, it does require a second dose to reach maximum effectiveness. Engle says there will be a follow-up clinic in Talkeetna in three weeks, but that Public Health can help with finding other providers as well.
“When we see a client and we give them their first dose, we…tell them where they can get their second dose. And if we are not going to be back into the community, we give them a list of providers.”
Engle adds that there is also help available for those who are unable to travel at all to get the vaccine for various reasons. Those without transportation or who are homebound can call the Mat-Su Public Health office for assistance.
“And then I’d have that conversation with them about type of vaccine, what the issue was, and I’d schedule a home visit for them. I’d just work it out….On the 16th, I’ll be here between noon and four, and on my way home, I have two stops to make.”
The next Downtown vaccine clinic is scheduled for July 16th at Denali Education Center in Talkeetna. It is possible there will be additional clinics added in the future, but no dates beyond the 16th have been set, yet. More information is available by calling Mat-Su Public Health at 907-352-6600 or by visiting covidvax.alaska.gov.
