More than half of Alaskans over 65 have received vaccination shot

ANCHORAGE (AP) - Alaska public health officials said 58% of residents 65 and older have received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination since distribution efforts began.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Joe McLaughlin said the state hopes to move the process along faster as more contagious and potentially deadly strains of the coronavirus emerge.

“Right now, it’s sort of a race against the variants to get people vaccinated,” McLaughlin said Feb. 17.

Alaska’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink said the state wants more Alaskans 65 and older to receive vaccinations. “We still want to prior...