An effort to coax more Alaskans into getting a flu shot has prompted the State Division of Public Health to continue its fee waiver for flu vaccines. Free vaccines will be available at all state public health centers in Alaska for certain Alaskans.
State supplied vaccines are available at no charge to all children under the age of three and to anyone three and older who does not have health insurance. The free vaccines are also for people with insurance that does not cover vaccinations or if they have not yet met their deductible. The $28 fee waiver is in effect through the end of March 2014.
The state has confirmed 242 cases of the flu, mostly in the last three weeks. H1N1, commonly called swine flu, is the dominant strain this year but protection against it is included in this year’s vaccine.
Lori Townsend is the news director and senior host for Alaska Public Media. You can send her news tips and program ideas for Talk of Alaska and Alaska Insight at ltownsend@alaskapublic.org or call 907-550-8452.
