2015/2016 Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Information

Influenza (flu) is a seasonal contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.

Common flu symptoms may include:                                                                                                                                  

  • fever
  • chills and fatigue
  • sore throat
  • headaches
  •  runny or stuffy nose
  • cough
  • body aches 

The flu season can be unpredictable and severe. Even healthy individuals can get very sick resulting in hospitalization death.

The best way to prevent getting the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. The CDC recommends that almost everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine. It is especially important for infants, pregnant women, young children, adults over 50, and those with chronic conditions to be vaccinated every year.

Influenza is spread from person to person, mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.

You can help stop the spread of germs by:
  • cover your cough with a sleeve or tissue
  • wash your hands often
  • stay home if you are sick
Where to Get a Flu Vaccine

Anchorage Department of Health & Human Services

825 L Street, First Floor

Immunization Clinic Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 

8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Wednesday

1:00 pm -5:00 pm

Flu vaccine is also available from clinics, pharmacies, and health care providers throughout Anchorage. Contact your health care provider for more information or use the flu vaccine finder below.

CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get their yearly flu vaccine now. While everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it's especially important certain people get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications. These groups include:

  • Pregnant women
  • Children younger than 5 years
  • People 65 years and older
  • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
    • Health care workers
    • Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
    • Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age
There are two types of flu vaccine:
  • Flu shot—is given by injection and uses inactivated (killed) influenza virus and is safe for everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant women. Tell your doctor if you have any severe (life-threatening) allergies, including a severe allergy to eggs. More information on the influenza vaccine.
  • Flu nasal spray—contains live, attenuated (weakened) influenza vaccine (LAIV). It is sprayed into the nostrils. LAIV is recommended for healthy people 2 through 49 years of age, who are not pregnant and do not have certain health conditions. More information on Flu nasal spray.
Additional flu information