Anchorage School District will offer free flu shots to the public and free vaccines for students

Anchorage School District students will be able to get free vaccines while all Anchorage community members can get a flu shot for free this month and next.

The vaccine effort is in conjunction with the Anchorage Health Department, according to a release from the district. While the district usually works with the department to give out vaccinations, this year is the first time they’re “holding events of this caliber,” said district spokesperson Lisa Miller in a follow-up email.

The state of Alaska requires several vaccines for students enrolled in its schools, according to the Department of Health and Social Services.

The district is offering DTaP, Tdap, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Polio, MMR, Varicella and combination vaccines at the clinics. For students 17 and younger, a parent or guardian consent form is required.

A drive-thru clinic at the district’s Education Center at 5530 E. Northern Lights Blvd. will be open this Saturday, Sep. 26, and next Wednesday, Sep. 30, from 8 a.m to 8 p.m.

The health department is partnering with the school district because of “safety issues and staffing priorities presented by the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to Anchorage Health Department spokesperson, Barry Piser. The department is providing supplies and equipment to use at the clinics, he said.

Additional clinics at schools around the municipality will be open throughout the month of October. The clinics offering flu vaccines will be open to the public, Miller said.

The district is encouraging people to drive up and stay in their cars, but people may walk up as well, Miller said. While appointments aren’t necessary, Miller said they “strongly encourage” families get in touch with their school nurses in advance to let them know which vaccines they would like.

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