Vaccines for H1N1 available to all

The state of Alaska is now allowing anyone who wants the H1N1 vaccine to receive it.

Due to prior shortages across the U.S. and in Alaska, the vaccine supply has been limited to certain priority groups.  However, state health officials now believe all Alaskans in the priority groups who wanted a vaccine have received one.  Doses are coming into Alaska at the rate of ten thousand to fifteen thousand doses per week.  Some health care providers around Alaska have actually reported they have unused vaccine sitting in refrigerators.

The H1N1 flu appears to be on the decline in Alaska according to the office of epidemiology.  The first wave hit Alaska last spring and then it waned over the summer.  When school started this fall, a second wave hit Alaska.  Health care professionals are encouraging everyone to get both the H1N1 vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine. State officials say another wave could hit this winter.

At the Sunshine Health Center in Talkeetna, Dr. Mary Loeb confirmed that the vaccine has been opened up to anyone who wants it.  On Tuesday there is a mass vaccination in Willow from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on December 10^th there is a mass vaccination planned for Talkeetna and Trapper Creek.  The December 10^th could change at this point, depending on weather.  Residents can listen to KTNA and read local papers for any updates.