On July 1, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy signed a new law, HB 145, into effect. HB 145 expands pharmacists’ authority to perform vaccinations and other services outside a collaborative practice agreement. It also includes mandatory coverage from insurers within the state and reimbursement for services within a pharmacist’s scope of practice. HB 145 goes into effect on September 28, 2022.

Alaska becomes the first state in the US to allow vaccination access to everyone age 16 and older. This move was an important first step to expanding access to the COVID-19 vaccine and increasing vaccination rates across the state - and across the entire country as other states follow suit. Especially as children are returning to school, vaccination is an important tool to ensure the safety of these students and their families.