COVID-19 Resource Page
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
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 16 years of age and older; Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are available under emergency use authorization (EUA) for individuals 18 years of age and older.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine also continues to be available under the EUA for individuals 5 years of age and older.
COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose Status
The FDA also authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines as heterologous “mix-and-match” booster dose for individuals 18 years of age and older who completed the primary vaccination.
Click here for the Alaska COVID-19 Vaccine Homepage.
Click here for the CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Homepage.
What to Expect After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
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 and Omicron variants is to get vaccinated and follow CDC guidelines surrounding testing.
Understanding the COVID-19 variants, including the Delta variant
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The Delta and Omicron variants are more contagious than previous COVID variants. While unvaccinated people are the most at-risk, fully vaccinated and boosted people can experience breakthrough infections and could transmit the virus to others. However, vaccines are still highly effective against the Delta and Omicron variants, 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
Due to data indicating decreasing levels of protection from the vaccine as time passes, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concluded that booster shots are needed to maximize vaccine-induced protection, especially for people who are immunocompromised. Three COVID-19 vaccines are authorized or approved for use in the U.S. In most situations, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are preferred for both primary and booster vaccinations per the CDC. Further information is available at the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html
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
- Alaska Coronavirus Response Hub
- COVID-19 Testing
- IRS
- Business:
- Housing:
- Unemployment:
- Health and Safety:
- Education:
- Tribal:
- Alaska Communities
- COVID-19 Guidance:
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)
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
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