Seasonal flu vaccinations now available: Vaccine facts for your health
October 7, 2016
Free flu vaccines are now available for our people throughout the state. It is important for all people to get vaccinated for the flu to protect ourselves, as well as our family, coworkers and community. In addition, influenza poses a greater risk to certain people like pregnant women, children and Elders – they are all at high risk for flu-related complications. ANMC offers the quadrivalent flu vaccine that protects against many forms of the flu virus that may occur in this flu season. Many Tribal health organizations are running flu clinics across Alaska. Please check with your local facility for times and dates near you. Anchorage residents can go to the ANMC Anchorage Native Primary Care Center (ANPCC). No appointment is necessary when you visit a flu vaccine clinic on any Saturday in October. Flu vaccination clinics have started at the ANPCC and occur every Saturday in October from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Flu shots will also be available Oct. 20 and 21 at the Health Fair during the Alaska Federation of Natives annual convention at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks. A common myth about the flu vaccine is that it can cause you to get the flu. Myth: The flu vaccine can cause influenza. Fact: You cannot get the flu from a flu vaccine. The vaccine does not contain live flu viruses or in many cases, the flu virus at all. Vaccine safety is closely monitored annually by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration. We will share more influenza vaccination information, myths and facts in the weeks ahead. Learn more about influenza and vaccination myths and facts at www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/misconceptions.htm.