In January, Alaska had the highest vaccination rate in the country.
Today the state is rationing hospital care as they are overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases amid a surge of the delta variant and unvaccinated Alaskans.
“While we are doing our utmost, we are no longer able to provide the standard of care to each and every patient who needs our help,” wrote Chief of Staff Kristen Solana Walkinshaw at Providence Alaska Medical Center. “The acuity and number of patients now exceeds our resources and our ability to staff beds with skilled caregivers, like nurses and respiratory therapists.”
Of Alaska’s 120 ICU beds, 106 were filled as of Thursday — leaving only 14 beds available statewide. Anchorage is home to three hospitals with a higher level of care, where rural residents are transferred when necessary. Anchorage residents are waiting in their cars to receive care, while rural patients are being denied a transfer to more advanced care.
Vaccination rates have been dropping over the summer in Alaska, stagnating at 56.7% fully vaccinated.
“In terms of why things went stagnant, it does seem like hesitancy is the main factor behind that,” said Jared Kosin, CEO and president of the Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association. “It’s not an access issue. The vaccine’s widely available in Alaska anywhere.”
Meanwhile, Sarah Palin announced she’s unvaccinated while believing in science on Fox News.