Travelers to Alaska can get a free COVID-19 vaccination

Starting on June 1, travelers to Alaska will be offered free COVID-19 vaccines at airports, as part of the US state's initiative to restart its tourism industry.

Travelers ages 12 and over arriving at four airports — Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Fairbanks International Airport, Juneau International Airport and Ketchikan International Airport — can receive a free vaccine upon arrival.

A sow grizzly bear in the middle of a park — Visitors to Denali National Park & Preserve can see grizzly bears © Jacob W. Frank/Getty Images

The Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Moderna vaccines will be available. However, while Pfizer has been approved for people ages 12 and up, the Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines have only been approved for ages 18 and up. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require a second dose several weeks after the first, and those who stay for a longer period can also get their second shot in Alaska.

Alaska does not require COVID-19 testing for those entering the state, but travelers are encouraged to read the state’s , and complete the Safe Travel Travels Form on the . The travel portal is also where travelers can request a free COVID-19 test on arrive and request their free COVID-19 vaccine.

Currently, the US-Canada border remains closed to all non-essential travel. Many international travelers — including those from the UK, Ireland, the European Schengen area, China, Brazil, South Africa and more — are still barred from entering the US. More information can be found at the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services' .

This article was originally published on April 22, 2021 and updated on May 31, 2021.