Alaska Department of Health Weekly COVID-19 and Influenza Update

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The Alaska Department of Health Weekly COVID-19 and Influenza Update has been updated with data from the week of October 23 – October 29, 2022 and can be viewed here. 

Key Findings: 

  • COVID-19 transmission continued to occur in most parts of Alaska during the week of October 23 – October 29, 2022. There is no clear overall statewide upward or downward trend.

  • The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has decreased since August. 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.

  • Updated bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines are recommended for everyone ages 5 years and older who completed the primary series or received their most recent booster dose at least 2 months ago. The updated, or bivalent, boosters target the most recent Omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5. Additionally, influenza transmission is occurring in many Alaska communities and now is a good time to receive an annual influenza vaccine. Visit vaccines.gov to learn where COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are available. See the updates section below for more information.

  • Novavax monovalent COVID-19 boosters are available for people ages 18 years and older if they have completed primary series vaccination but have not previously received a COVID-19 booster.

  • People with symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested immediately, and if they test positive, 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.

  • 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 for information on a variety of respiratory viruses.

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Information and Resources:


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