Many people in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta are eligible for booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine, but only those who have received the Pfizer-BioNTech version. On Sept. 24, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation published its new policy on booster shots on its website.
On Sept. 22, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized booster shots of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for select groups of people at high risk for the virus.
YKHC says that includes all Alaska Native people 18 or older, and everyone 65 or older. Also eligible are people with underlying health conditions, and people working in jobs that expose them to the public. According to YKHC, those jobs include but are not limited to: health care workers, first responders, cashiers, educators, public safety, law enforcement, correctional officers, drivers, public works employees, daycare providers, clergy, bank employees, court employees, airline staff, election workers, and anyone working in congregate settings.
Booster shots are only available to people who have received their second Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine shot more than six months ago.
Most people who were vaccinated in Bethel received the Pfizer version. Most people in Y-K Delta villages received the Moderna version because it was easier to transport and store in clinics. Those people are not yet eligible for the vaccine booster because the FDA has not authorized a booster for the Moderna or Johnson and Johnson vaccines.
YKHC said that it is identifying individuals in villages who are eligible for the Pfizer booster, and is planning to distribute the booster shots to village clinics.
You can sign up to receive a booster shot on YKHC’s website, or you can make an appointment over the phone by calling your village health clinic. In Bethel, call 907-543-6949.
