Frequently Asked Questions on COVID-19

Frequently Asked Questions on the COVID-19 Vaccine

As we continue to respond to COVID-19, you can visit this page for up-to-date information as well as to learn what resources are available to help mitigate the health and economic impacts of this pandemic, including travel advisories and updates on loan assistance.

It’s important to remember that all issues impacting public health should be taken seriously, and only reliable sources should be trusted. I encourage everyone to seek out reputable sources. We all must work to ensure that we are spreading facts, not fear.  

COVID-19 Vaccine Status

On August 23, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 16 years of age and older. The vaccine also continues to be available under the emergency use authorization (EUA) for individuals 12 through 15 years of age.

The Moderna vaccine and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are also available to people 18 and older under the EAU by the FDA. 

• Click here for the Alaska COVID-19 Vaccine Homepage.
• Click here for the CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Homepage. 

COVID-19 What to Expect After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

What the public can do to help stop the spread?  

The best way to prevent the transmission of respiratory infections, including COVID-19, is by practicing good hygiene, cleaning frequently used surfaces often, practicing social distancing, wearing a mask in public indoor places, and getting your vaccine. The best way to slow the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant is to get vaccinated and follow CDC guidelines surrounding testing. 

• Click here to find a testing location near you.

Understanding the COVID-19 variants, including the Delta variant

The Delta variant is more contagious than previous COVID variants. While unvaccinated people are the most at-risk, fully vaccinated people can experience a Delta variant breakthrough infection and could transmit the virus to others. Some data suggest the Delta variant might be more likely to cause illness than previous strains. However, vaccines are still highly effective against the Delta variant, particularly for preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths.

• Information from the CDC on the Delta Variant.

How COVID-19 Vaccines Work

Information on Booster Shots

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced a plan to begin offering COVID-19 booster shots in the fall.

• Due to data indicating decreasing levels of protection from the vaccine as time passes, the HHS and CDC concluded that booster shots are needed to maximize vaccine-induced protection, especially for people who are immunocompromised.  

Information from the CDC on booster shots. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html

RESOURCES FOR ALASKANS

• COVID-19 Vaccine Status Updates
  • Nationwide Vaccine Finder 
• Alaska Coronavirus Response Hub
  • Alaska COVID-19 Information Hub
• COVID-19 Testing 
  • GISCorps COVID-19 Testing Sites Locator
• IRS
  • Economic Impact Payments
  • Updated Tax Deadline
• Business: 
  • State of Alaska COVID-19 Economic Recovery Resource Portal For Business
  • Small Business Administration Guidance and Resources
  • Alaska Small Business Development Center COVID-19 Resource Center
  • Alaska Chamber Business Resources for Coronavirus
  • Fisheries
  • Alaska Sea Grant
• Housing:
  • Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Coronavirus Assistance Information
• Unemployment:
  • Alaska Unemployment Insurance  
• Health and Safety:
  • Food Bank of Alaska
  • Alaska 211
  • Alaska Department of Public Safety Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
  • Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
• Education:
  • Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education
  • Alaska School Activities Association
  • Alaska Afterschool Network
• Tribal: 
  • Indian Health Service
  • National Indian Health Board
  • National Congress of American Indians
• Alaska Communities
  • Services Listed by Community 
•  COVID-19 Guidance:
• State of Alaska Health Advisories
• State of Alaska COVID-19 Information
• Alaska DHSS Guidance for:
• The General Public
• Health Care Professionals
• Seniors and High Risk Groups

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• State of Alaska Travel Information
• State Department Travel Advisories
• CDC Travel Recommendations
• CDC Travel Recommendations for Vaccinated Individuals
• Alaska Department of Transportation
• Alaska Travel Industry Association

INFORMATION FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC)

• COVID-19 Main Page
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Daily Activities and Going Out

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Public Health Emergency – US Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response
• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH
• US Department of Veterans Affairs
• US Department of Housing and Urban Development
• US Department of Education
• FEMA COVID-19 Response Page
• FDA COVID-19 Resources