Alaska COVID-19 and Influenza Weekly Case Update: December 11 – December 17, 2022

The Alaska Department of Health Weekly COVID-19 and Influenza Update has been updated with data from the week of December 11 - December 17, 2022 and can be viewed here. 
Key Findings: 
  • COVID-19 transmission continued to occur in most parts of Alaska during the week of December 11 - December 17, 2022. There is no clear overall trend.
  • The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has increased since the beginning of November, though there’s not a clear trajectory. Most parts of Alaska are at the “low” COVID Community Level as defined by CDC. Learn more about CDC’s recommended prevention steps at each community level here.
  • Influenza activity in Alaska remains high, but might be peaking. The number of cases reported last week was lower than the number reported the prior week.
  • Updated bivalent COVID-19 vaccines are available for children ages 6 months through 5 years. Children ages 6 months through 5 years who previously completed a Moderna primary series are eligible to receive a Moderna bivalent booster 2 months after their final primary series dose. Children ages 6 months through 4 years who are currently completing a Pfizer primary series will receive a Pfizer bivalent vaccine as their third primary dose. Children who have already completed all three doses of the Pfizer primary series are not currently eligible for a bivalent dose.
  • With increased respiratory illnesses, now is a good time to receive an annual influenza vaccine and a COVID-19 booster shot. Updated bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines are recommended for most people ages 6 months and older who completed the primary series or received their most recent booster dose at least 2 months ago. Visit vaccines.gov to find your COVID-19 booster and influenza vaccine.
  • Docket is a free app that provides easy access to official vaccination records. You can download and carry a digital copy of your records anywhere at any time. For more information visit vaccinationrecords.alaska.gov.
  • Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 test this winter. Visit covid.gov/tests to order yours today.
  • People with symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested immediately. Those who test positive should notify contacts who may have been exposed. People with COVID-19 should isolate for at least 5 full days after their symptoms start (or positive test result in asymptomatic people) and wear a mask after leaving isolation. See CDC guidance on isolation for details. Treatments are available for people at higher risk of severe disease. See the updates section below for more information.
  • People who have been exposed to COVID-19 should wear a mask for 10 full days and get tested at least 5 full days after exposure. Learn more about what to do if exposed. CDC no longer recommends quarantine of exposed persons in most settings, regardless of vaccination status.
  • Respiratory viruses circulate year-round in Alaska. Actions such as staying home when sick, washing hands, and improving ventilation can protect you, your family, and your community from COVID-19, influenza, and other infectious diseases. See an Alaska Public Health Alert Network message from September and a CDC Health Advisory from November for information on a variety of respiratory viruses.
  • The Alaska Department of Health Weekly COVID-19 and Influenza Update will not be published next week. It will return the first week of January.
Information and Resources:
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