COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 is an airborne illness. It is spread when we breathe, talk, cough, or sneeze. Steps to avoid spreading COVID-19 include: The best way to reduce your chances of getting COVID-19 is by staying up to date with vaccines. Other steps include washing your hands well and often, wearing a high- quality mask, opening windows, and keeping at least 3...READ MORE

As of August 2023, 57% of Alaskans have been fully vaccinated, and 14% have received a booster dose. Statewide vaccination rates are highest for Elders 65+ (76% primary vaccine, 36% boosted) and adults 18+ (66% primary vaccine, 17% boosted) compared to youth 0-17 (29% primary vaccine, 5% boosted)....READ MORE

This web page allows you to search for places you can get a COVID vaccine near you. You enter your ZIP code, and it shows you on a map, and in a list, where you can get a COVID vaccine....READ MORE

Scientists have been studying messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines for more than 20 years. Unlike some types of older vaccines, mRNA vaccines do not use weakened or inactivated viruses. Instead, the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines stimulate muscle cells to produce harmless spike proteins found on the outer shell of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These proteins trigger an immune response that...READ MORE

In May 2023, the CDC ended the public health emergency status linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. They did this because “as a nation, we now find ourselves at a different point in the pandemic – with more tools and resources than ever before to better protect ourselves and our communities.” But that does not mean COVID-19 is no longer a...READ MORE

Often times, viruses and bacteria change over time through a process called mutation, which produces new variants. Old vaccines do not always work against new variants. Additionally, no vaccine provides 100% protection. Vaccines can also lose their effectiveness over time. This decline in effectiveness is normal and does not mean the COVID-19 vaccines don’t work. Getting updated vaccine shots as...READ MORE

Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 protects you from getting seriously sick, being hospitalized, and from dying from COVID-19....READ MORE

There are three vaccines in use in the US as of fall 2024; follow the link for a comparison of each:...READ MORE

Although COVID-19 arose and spread incredibly quickly, scientists have been studying this type of virus and how to prevent it for many years. So, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, vaccines could be created very rapidly without compromising  safety or quality measures. COVID-19 vaccines went through all the normal testing that other vaccines go through, just at a faster pace. They were...READ MORE

Vaccines work by teaching our bodies how to recognize and fight off infections from things like viruses and bacteria. Although vaccines can make you feel a little sick, this is usually a good sign. There are special cells in the body that are trained to fight infection, and the vaccine helps them to train better. Feeling sick after a vaccine...READ MORE