Member News
Vaccine Providers Prepare for March COVID-19 Shipments; Further Eligibility Clarifications Announced to Include More Alaskans
The
Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) announced on
02/24/2021 that Alaska will receive 60,760 first doses of
state-allocated COVID-19 vaccine for the month of March. Additionally,
32,720 first doses have been allocated to the federal Indian Health
Service (IHS). DHSS also announced three clarifications regarding who is
currently eligible to receive the vaccine. State-allocated vaccine is
now open to Phase 1a through Phase 1b, Tier 2. For more information,
visit the 02/24/2021 DHSS press release.
State of Alaska’s Declaration of Public Health Disaster Emergency Expired 02/14/2021
As
of February 14, 2021, the State of Alaska’s Declaration of Public
Health Disaster Emergency (DD), which was in place to manage its
response to COVID-19, expired. While certain authorities under the DD
have expired, the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is
making every effort to minimize potential disruption to interactions
between Alaskans and DHSS as we transition out of the DD.
Accordingly, until further instructed by the Governor or the Alaska Legislature:
- DHSS
will continue to operate its COVID-19 response under the same guidance
and direction that had previously been provided, which includes all
prior waived or suspended statutes and regulations.
- DHSS will
continue to manage its Medicaid program under the federal authorities
outlined in the federal blanket waivers, the 1135 Waiver, and the
Appendix K approvals, since those authorities are tied to the federal
public health emergency and are not dependent on a state declaration.
- DHSS
will continue to work with our federal partners to ensure a smooth
transition for vaccinations, therapeutics, and other critical services
that DHSS had been managing under the Declaration.
- All mitigation efforts for the health and safety of state employees will remain in effect.
The
end of this disaster declaration does not mean the virus is gone and we
can stop taking measures to keep ourselves and others healthy and safe.
DHSS' primary concern remains the health and safety of all Alaskans,
and we will continue to consider that paramount concern in our decisions
as we navigate the next phase of the state’s response to COVID-19.
COVID-19 Vaccine Phase 1b Tier 2 Open February 11, 2021
Alaskans age 50 and older with high-risk medical conditions, educators, and those living and working in congregate settings are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine beginning February 11, 2021.
DHSS Issues Updated COVID-19 FAQs
The Department of Health and Social Services has updated its COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions. Updates include information for those who, because of a disability, cannot safely wear a mask.
