VACCINATED ALASKANS: As of Dec. 25, almost 12,000 Alaskans have received the COVID-19 vaccine (560 Moderna and 11,285 Pfizer).

 PHASES OF VACCINE AVAILABILITY: Click here for more information about vaccine availability, the phases of distribution and what groups fall into each phase.  (The image below is for illustrative purposes.)

PUBLIC COMMENT: Earlier this week, the national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued add’l recommendations for vaccine allocation, recommending that people aged 75+ and front-line essential workers such as emergency responders, teachers and grocery store employees be next in line for the vaccine. Each state makes adjustments to these recommendations in order to meet state-specific needs. In Alaska, a public comment meeting for Phase 1b will be held Monday, Dec. 28. Click here for info about the meeting, and how to provide comment.

WILLINGNESS TO VACCINE: Americans' willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine is increasing. A USA TODAY poll showed 46% willing to take it as soon as possible – that’s almost double what it was in late October.

There is a tremendous amount of COVID-19 vaccine information (and misinformation) on the internet, so much so that it can be daunting to sort through it. The purpose of this email is to provide relevant information from credible sources. Feel free to share this information with friends and family.