State health officials continue to recommend wide use of COVID vaccines, according to a newly released bulletin from the Alaska Division of Public Health epidemiology section. That is slightly different wording from previous state recommendations, which was more general. The subtle change puts state recommendations in line with what the U.S. COVID-19 vaccines are currently available in Alaska, mostly in pharmacies, Aho said. Before ordering COVID vaccines, state officials are waiting for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director, or acting director, to sign off on recommendations, Aho said.