CHILDREN’S COVID VACCINE LIVE WEBINAR Q&A FOR PARENTS: The American Academy of Pediatrics – Alaska Chapter and the Alaska Children’s Trust are sponsoring a live Q&A session Thursday, Nov. 11, 6:30pm. Pediatricians from around Alaska will answer your questions and address any concerns. Register here. 

COVID VACCINE AVAILABLE FOR 5-11 YEAR OLDS: The FDA approved Pfizer’s COVID vaccine for emergency use on Oct. 29 for children age 5-11. The vaccine is available in Fairbanks. See the attached for locations offering the vaccine. Learn more about the vaccine from the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Food & Drug Administration. See the State of Alaska document outlining five reasons children should be vaccinated.  

ALASKA CASE RATES: Alaska is amongst the top five states in the U.S. with the most daily deaths per 100,000 people. Nome and Bethel are amongst the top 10 counties/boroughs with the highest number of recent cases per capita according to The New York Times. 

US CASE RATES: COVID cases are up 5%, hospitalizations are down 13% and the death rate is down 15%. The U.S. has the highest number of new COVID cases globally. COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death for most of 2020, but in December 2020 and early 2021, the illness surged and briefly became the number one leading cause of death in the U.S., far surpassing cancer and heart disease deaths in those months. COVID-19 was the 2nd leading cause of death in the U.S. in September 2021, behind heart disease was and ahead of cancer.

COVID BOOSTER DOSES: COVID booster shots are available for those 65+, residents and staff in long term care facilities, those 18+ with underlying medical conditions, those 18+ who work in high risk settings including healthcare workers, teachers, and grocery story workers (learn more here.)

COVID VACCINE: If you know someone who needs to be vaccinated, there are several places in Fairbanks offering the vaccine. To find a convenient location, text your zip code to 438829, call 907-646-3322 or 800-232-0233, email covid19vaccine@Alaska.gov , or visit www.covidvax.Alaska.gov. 

COVID TESTING IN FAIRBANKS: The most recent testing site handout is attached. Information can change quickly. Always call to reconfirm services. If you notice an error or outdated information, please email the change to me and we’ll update and redistribute the document.