Influenza Outbreak Information(Including H1N1 and "Seasonal" Flu)
The Municipality of Anchorage Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has established an Incident Command System for response to the developing H1N1 and seasonal flu outbreak.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains the most comprehensive information and guidance regarding response to this flu outbreak. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information is continually updated.
H1N1 Vaccination
Vaccine for H1N1 has begun to arrive in Alaska. Additional shipements are expected to arrive over the next several weeks.
Due to limited availability, H1N1 flu vaccine is currently limited to individuals who are in certain high risk priority groups. Those groups are:
-Children and young adults aged 6 months - 24 years
-Pregnant women
-Caregivers and household contacts of children under 6 months
-People ages 25-64 who have underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk for complications from the flu
-Healthcare and Emergency Medical Service personnel
For more information on the H1N1 priority groups click here.
H1N1 Vaccine In Anchorage:
- The Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center at 1217 E. 10th Ave in Fairview is offereing free H1N1 vaccine to those members of the general public who fall into one of the H1N1 vaccine priority groups (with the exception of EMS and healthcare providers) on a walk in basis. Hours are 8-11am and 1-4pm, Monday thru Friday.
- The Municipality will be hosting several free H1N1 flu vaccine clincis for the public. These clinics will be run on a walk in basis. Please see the schedule of clinics linked at the top of this page - check back regularly as clinic dates are subject to change based on vaccine availability.
- The vaccine is available through many private healthcare provider offices and some local pharmacies. Please contact your provider or local pharmacy directly for more information.
Additional information about H1N1 vaccine will be posted as it becomes available. Please check this site often for the most up to date information.
Seasonal Flu
Getting vaccinated for the H1N1 flu virus will not protect you from the seasonal flu. The best way to protect yourself from the seasonal flu is by getting the seasonal flu vaccine.
Seasonal flu vaccine is available through many pharmacies and private healthcare providers in Anchorage. The seasonal flu vaccine is also available at the Municipality's DHHS Disease Prevention and Control Clinic.
Anchorage Information
Public Information: 343-6718 or 343-4619
The Best Protection is Prevention!
All residents are advised to wash their hands frequently and to cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze. Those that are not feeling well should stay home from work/school and limit their contact with others until they recover.
To keep yourself and those around you healthy, be sure to:
- cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue - then wash your hands; if you use a tissue, throw it out right away
- wash hands frequently
- avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
If you do get sick, please stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them until symptom free, and no fever for at least 24 hours.