Scientists say the vaccines appear to be only slightly less effective against the delta strain and still provide strong protection from severe disease and death. And research suggests the shots may also make it less likely for vaccinated people to spread the virus even if they test positive.
"Dr. Joe McLaughlin"
A small percentage of Alaska’s COVID-19 cases have involved fully vaccinated people. Here’s what we know so far.
While half of the state’s population is vaccinated, they make up around 1% of COVID-19 hospitalizations; unvaccinated individuals make up 99% of hospitalizations.
Delta variant wasn’t detected in Alaska until a few weeks ago. Now it’s 40% of samples.
State officials say that the variant threatens to boost the number of cases in Alaska, which have been ticking up from recent lows for the past three weeks, and potentially to put new stresses on the state’s health care infrastructure.
Alaska used to lead the nation in COVID-19 vaccinations. Six months in, the state has fallen behind.
This spring, Alaska was hailed as a vaccination success story — shipping doses via plane, snowmachine and boat to remote corners of the vast state. But it has gradually fallen from first place to the middle of the pack in the six months since the first doses of COVID-19 vaccine arrived here in mid-December.
You’re vaccinated for COVID-19. Now what can you do?
Five Alaska doctors recently weighed in on tiptoeing back to normalcy after being fully vaccinated.
Cases are rising again, but Alaska’s rate of vaccination is slowing
Health officials say the state is still far from reaching herd immunity — a point where enough people are protected from the virus that it no longer spreads easily through the population.
‘Don’t let it fester’: Health officials encourage vaccination, vigilance as Petersburg outbreak wanes
Health officials say the virus was brought into Petersburg by travelers and spread through close contact at bars, restaurants, day cares and schools.
Petersburg COVID-19 outbreak eases
State officials said 44% of Petersburg’s cases were tied to a bar or restaurant, and 41% were tied to a school or daycare.
Alaska reports first case of rare COVID-19 variant that could evade antibodies
Mutations in the P.1 variant might make it more transmissible and harder for antibodies to recognize, which means vaccination or natural immunity might offer less protection against it.
‘Many reasons to be optimistic’: Alaska’s daily COVID-19 cases hit 5-month low
Hospitalizations have also dropped to their lowest levels since July, with 33 Alaskans being treated for confirmed COVID-19 cases.