COVID-19 vaccine distribution limited in the Northern Mat-Su

Earlier this month, KTNA reported that the state moved forward its timeline for Alaskans 65 and older to make appointments to receive the first round of vaccine for COVID-19.  As those appointments are being made and shots given, what do things look like in the Mat-Su Borough?

Casey Cook is the Emergency Manager for the borough.  He says the Mat-Su has a plan to assist with state efforts.

 “In that plan, we have multiple avenues to help them get vaccines out.”

Cook says the borough’s assistance to the state’s Public Health Division could look like what happened during early testing phases for COVID-19, when drive-up tests were conducted on borough property with borough assistance.  What exactly that assistance will look like for vaccines is dependent on the state’s needs. Cook adds that, as of the New Year, the Mat-Su Borough is in the process of making sure vaccines are available to its first responders.

While there are multiple places to make appointments to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in the Palmer and Wasilla areas, options are much more limited in the Northern Susitna Valley.  Sunshine Community Health Center is the only local option listed on the state’s map of vaccine locations.  KTNA’s Colleen Love reported earlier that the clinic is taking limited numbers of appointments.  Sunshine’s Medical Director, Dr. George Hightower, says only a hundred doses have arrived so far.

“We begin vaccinating 10 people a day, Wednesdays and Fridays, and begin wrapping up more as we receive more, but, again we only received 100 doses, and we’ve already got a waiting list….”

That waiting list was already potentially more than seventy people as of Friday the 8^th.

Another common question is who should the vaccine.  The drug manufacturers that produce them say that even those who have already been infected should be vaccinated.  Dr. Hightower says there is at least one group of people who are recommended not to receive a vaccination.

“Anyone who’s had severe reactions – especially anaphylactic reactions—should not get the vaccine. The side effects for this vaccine are higher than they are for the typical flu vaccine.”

While the large majority of people have not experienced significant adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine, Dr. Hightower says there have been some serious reactions, including one death. Again, though, he says it is safe in most situations.

“It’s safe enough for most people to get the vaccine.  That much we know –at least this first dose, so we just recommend use your best judgment, and the vaccine is available.”

Those seeking an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine locally can call the Sunshine Community Health Center.  A complete list of current vaccinations sites is available through the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services website.