January 6, 2021 — As an Alaska committee prepares to vote this week on which groups to include in the next round of COVID-19 vaccinations, people from a wide range of backgrounds and industries — along with those most vulnerable to a severe infection from the virus — are vying for a spot.
Nearly 50 people — including teachers, seniors, seafood industry workers, pilots, judges, veterinarians and utility plant workers — made their case during a public hearing held Monday evening by the Alaska Vaccine Advisory Committee.
The group also received over 300 written public comments.
Teachers, older adults and seafood industry workers made up a large share of the comments.
“As health care professionals, your job should be to protect those who face the greatest medical dangers from COVID,” said Cynthia Pickering Christianson, who identified herself on the call as an Alaska resident over the age of 65. “This committee should vaccinate our oldest residents first.”
Ole Christenson spoke next, and said he agreed, “100 percent.”