State and regional health officials are urging residents to protect themselves as influenza and COVID-19 cases begin to climb across the region.
“We have been seeing an increase in influenza cases as well as COVID in the community,” said Randi Yancey, manager at the SEARHC Wrangell Primary Care Clinic.
“We have received our supply of flu vaccines, including the high dose formulated for ages 65 and older, and began administering vaccines last week,” she said.
To make immunization accessible, the clinic has scheduled several public outreach events.
SEARHC has scheduled another flu clinic in Wrangell for Tuesday, September 29, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Appointments are required. Call 907.874.7000 or schedule online: https://searhc.org/community-flu-clinics/
Flu shots will also be available at the Wellness Fair on Saturday, October 17, at the Nolan Center.
The Alaska Department of Health recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive an annual influenza vaccine. With flu transmissions picking up statewide, medical providers stress that early immunization provides the strongest safeguard against severe illness, hospital visits and the risk of death.
While annual influenza doses have arrived in town, updated coronavirus boosters have not yet reached clinic shelves.
“We have not yet received a supply of this year’s booster and do not have an estimated timeframe as of now,” Yancey said. “SEARHC will provide updates to communities as this vaccine becomes available.”
