All-Women Team Delivers COVID-19 Vaccine In Remote Rural Alaska

An all-women team comprising of a pharmacist, doctor, and two nurses successfully delivered the COVID-19 vaccine to people across rural northern Alaska, a remote place that is largely cut off from the world. This all-women team dedicatedly delivered the vaccine via a snowmobile in subzero temperatures.

Healthcare workers had to commute via a "bush plane" and then a snowmobile with just a few hours of daylight at their disposal. the team was also assisted by a local villager who helped them travel further in the rural village where elders were waiting to get vaccinated.

As reported by Good Morning America, Dr Katrine Bengaard and nurse, Heather Kenison travelled by snowmobile through each village to reach elders who needed a home visit in order to get vaccinated. The all-female team protected the COVID-19 vaccine in a coat, to avoid it from freezing in the frigid air.

"We did the best we could,” said Dr Bengaard, adding, “The 1918 flu was heartbreaking for some communities here, and it was a pleasure to be able to deliver vaccine so that people can be given a better chance in this pandemic.” She further revealed how a 92-year-old recipient of the vaccine told them stories of her parents and the 1918 Spanish flu that decimated native Alaskans.

The team of four health care workers travelled hundreds of miles to deliver 65 vaccinations in multiple villages.

Alaskan state Senator Donny Olson, who was vaccinated near his home in rural Golovin, took to Facebook to thank the health care workers for their dedication and efforts to vaccinate people beyond the obstacle of harsh weather conditions. “No matter the circumstances or the weather, these women are going out of their way, be it sled, boat, plane, or whatever. I am so grateful for their efforts!” Olson wrote In his post.

https://www.facebook.com/donny.olson.90/posts/1632581730278537

Meanwhile, another group of nurses have travelled by sea to Homer, Alaska, to distribute vaccines.

Image Credits: GMA