Travelers to Alaska can get a free COVID-19 vaccination

Starting on June 1, travelers to Alaska will be offered free COVID-19 vaccines at airports, as part of the US state's initiative to restart its tourism industry.

Travelers ages 12 and over arriving at four airports — Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Fairbanks International Airport, Juneau International Airport and Ketchikan International Airport — can receive a free vaccine upon arrival.

The Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Moderna vaccines will be available. However, while Pfizer has been approved for people ages 12 and up, the Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines have only been approved for ages 18 and up. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require a second dose several weeks after the first, and those who stay for a longer period can also get their second shot in Alaska.

Alaska does not require COVID-19 testing for those entering the state, but travelers are encouraged to read the state’s safe travel information, and complete the Safe Travel Travels Form on the Alaska Travel Portal. The travel portal is also where travelers can request a free COVID-19 test on arrive and request their free COVID-19 vaccine.

Currently, the US-Canada border remains closed to all non-essential travel. Many international travelers — including those from the UK, Ireland, the European Schengen area, China, Brazil, South Africa and more — are still barred from entering the US. More information can be found at the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services' website.

This article was originally published on April 22, 2021 and updated on May 31, 2021.

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