Anchorage Health Department Encourages Vaccination During 2025-2026 Respiratory Virus Season
November 5, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Anchorage, AK — As respiratory virus season begins, the Anchorage Health Department (AHD) is urging residents to protect themselves and their communities by getting vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These viruses are expected to circulate simultaneously this fall and winter, and vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths.
What Anchorage Residents Need to Know
Influenza
- Alaska reported a higher number of influenza cases and more than twice as many flu-related deaths during the 2024–25 season compared to the previous year (2024-25 Influenza Season Summary).
- Getting vaccinated remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death from influenza.
- The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older and can be given at the same time as COVID-19 and RSV vaccines.
RSV
- RSV poses a serious risk to infants and older adults, especially in Alaska where the season starts later and lasts longer.
- *Adults aged ≥75 and those aged 50–74 at increased risk for severe RSV should receive one lifetime dose of an RSV vaccine.
- *To protect their newborns, people who are pregnant should get the RSV vaccine during pregnancy or their newborn infant should get an RSV monoclonal antibody
*Detailed guidance for these groups: RSV 2025-26 Season
COVID-19
- The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for all children aged 6-23 months, adults 19 years and older, during pregnancy, and for children ages 2-18 with risk factors or if a family desires vaccine (Immunizations & Vaccines | AAFP).
- Individuals at higher risk—including older adults, people with chronic conditions, and those who are pregnant—are especially encouraged to get vaccinated.
- Updated vaccines are available at pharmacies and clinics across Anchorage.
Where to Get Vaccinated
Vaccines are available from health care providers, pharmacies and AHD. People interested in getting vaccinated at AHD should call 907-343-4799 to schedule an appointment.
For more information, visit the Alaska Department of Health Respiratory Virus Snapshot or AHD's website.
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Contact: Michelle Fehribach, Anchorage Health Department, 907-343-4670, michelle.r.fehribach@anchorageak.gov