More details, including local options, for next phase of COVID-19 vaccines

Beginning this Wednesday, any Alaskan age 65 years or older, will be able to make an appointment to receive the vaccination for COVID-19.

At this time, those who wish to receive the vaccination, but who are under the age of 65, must work in the medical field and must work routinely and closely with the public.

Initially, Alaskans aged 65 and over were scheduled to begin receiving vaccinations in late January. However, the vaccination process is moving quickly, and Alaska has received more doses than originally anticipated.

The Alaska Covid Task Force has set up an information website, and is urging the public to review the process and the qualifications there.  On that website is a statewide map showing the locations that are providing vaccinations.

The Sunshine Community Health Center in Talkeetna is one of those sites.  According to Lane Baker,  the Medical Administrative Manager for the clinic, they expect to begin receiving a reliable supply of the vaccine next week.

According to Mr. Baker, appointments at the clinic will be limited to ten people per day and will take place only on Wednesdays and Fridays.  Anyone who qualifies for the vaccination can call the clinic to make their appointment beginning this Wednesday.

The clinic will be verifying eligibility for the vaccination through the use of state issued identification documents, paystubs and professional badges and licenses.

Dr. Anne Zink, Alaska’s Chief Medical Officer, urges the public to be patient when receiving the vaccination.

“We do ask that people stay afterwards to be monitored, so I just want Alaskans to be aware of that.  So it’s between 15 to 30 minutes, depending if you’ve had a severe reaction to other things in the past, and so I think Alaskans should be prepared for showing up for their appointment on time, but then also staying for round afterwards for a bit to be monitored.”

Other vaccination sites in the Borough include Carrs Pharmacy in Wasilla, Fred Meyer Pharmacy in Palmer, the Mat-Su Public Health Center and Mat-Su Health Services.  For a complete list of clinics taking appointments and their contact information, visit the department of health and social services website, dhss.alaska.gov