Iditarod announces updated COVID-19 Vaccine Policy for 2023 race

The Iditarod recently announced the most up-to-date COVID-19 Vaccine Policy regarding the 2023 race.

According to a recent press release, the Iditarod continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccines across the community, but there will be no mandatory vaccinations for the mushers, staff, or volunteers in the 2023 race.

Iditarod officials indicated that they’re evaluating needs in conjunction with medical advisors, Iditarod communities, partners, and stakeholders while taking the projected trajectory of Covid cases in Alaska into account leading up to the start of the race.

Iditarod Trail Committee Chief Operations Officer Chas St. George said they spent a lot of time and resources forming testing protocols and general COIVID-19 policies through numerous sources every step of the way with the ultimate goal of keeping mushers, volunteers, and communities along the Southern Route safe.

According to St. George, they’re still evaluating the overall protocols for the 2023 race, and their policies are subject to change depending on outbreaks, case numbers, and all other possible factors.

The Iditarod will provide further public updates as the race draws near.

St. George said that Iditarod staff and volunteers are busily preparing for the upcoming race.

“There are gonna be challenges but we’re excited about making our way up the trail,” St. George said.

2023 Iditarod mushers will follow the Southern Route.

“The Southern route has presented a lot of interaction between mother nature and the race,” St. George said.

For more information about the 2023 Iditarod, visit iditarod.com