Where to get a free flu shot in Anchorage this season

Health officials are recommending that Alaskans receive their annual flu shot as we enter a new flu season, and in Anchorage, there are several upcoming opportunities to receive a free immunization.

Last year’s flu season in Alaska rocketed off to an early start, with flu cases climbing in November before peaking in December. The number of influenza cases during the 2022-23 season surpassed counts from the prior four flu seasons, according to a September report from the Alaska Section of Epidemiology, which also noted that flu vaccine coverage among Alaska adults lagged substantially behind national rates.

Getting an annual flu shot is recommended for most people 6 months old or older, especially those who are at risk for severe illness or complications from the flu. Health authorities say it’s best to receive the vaccine by the end of October.

We’ve compiled the following list of free flu shot clinics coming up in Anchorage and nearby communities. If you know of another free flu shot clinic to add to this list, send us the details at newstips@adn.com or use the form at the bottom of this story.

[What to know as fall vaccinations against COVID-19, flu and RSV get underway]

Drive-thru flu shots

5:30-8 p.m. Oct. 11, 17 and 19, parking lot of Medical Office Building C at Alaska Regional Hospital, 2801 DeBarr Road

Alaska Regional is offering free flu shots to people 9 and older at this drive-thru clinic. Participants must be in a vehicle; no walk-ups are allowed. The high-dose flu vaccine for people 65 and older won’t be available at this clinic. For more details, visit Alaska Regional’s website.

Walk-in flu vaccinations

9 a.m. to noon Oct. 18, Anchorage Health Department, 825 L St.

No insurance or appointment is required for this free flu shot clinic hosted by the city health department. During the event, other vaccines and services will also be available for walk-ins. For more information, visit the health department’s Facebook event page.

1 to 7 p.m. Oct. 25 and 26, specific Anchorage School District locations

The Anchorage School District is hosting a series of flu shot clinics to coincide with parent-teacher conferences. The clinics are free and open to the public, and no insurance is required. Participants are asked to print the immunization consent form here. For more information, call Healthcare Services at 907-742-4136.

Oct. 25 clinic locations:

• Bettye Davis East High School, 4025 E. Northern Lights Blvd.

• South High, 13400 Elmore Road

• West High, 1700 Hillcrest Drive

• Eagle River High School, 8701 Wolf Den Drive in Eagle River

Oct. 26 clinic locations:

• Goldenview Middle School, 15800 Goldenview Drive

• Romig Middle School, 2500 Minnesota Drive

• Wendler Middle School, 2905 Lake Otis Parkway

• Gruening Middle School, 9601 Lee St. in Eagle River

3:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 30, Boys & Girls Club of Mat-Su, 3700 E. Bogard Road in Wasilla

Fairweather is offering all childhood and adolescent vaccines, as well as flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can schedule an appointment online.

3:30 to 6 p.m. Nov. 9, Eagle River Boys & Girls Club, 11700 Old Glenn Highway in Eagle River

Fairweather is offering all childhood and adolescent vaccines, as well as flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can schedule an appointment online.

Free vaccines for kids

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Fairweather at Tikahtnu Commons, 1130 N. Muldoon Road, Suite 110 (next to Pita Pit)

Flu shots are among the several free vaccinations available for youths up to 18 years old each day at the Fairweather clinic. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments may also be made through the state’s vaccine appointment website.

Other options

• Most pharmacies, such as those at Fred Meyer, Carrs, Costco, Walmart, Walgreens and the CVS at Target also offer the flu vaccine at a cost. If you have health insurance, it’s worth checking to see if your coverage includes flu shots administered at the pharmacy or provider of your choice.

• All children in Alaska can receive free vaccines from medical providers enrolled in the Alaska Immunization Program. While those providers don’t charge for the cost of AIP-provided vaccines, they might bill for other fees.

• Lower-cost vaccines are also available at public health centers across the state.