Give babies a healthy start
Immunization is one of the best ways to give children a healthy start and help protect their health throughout their lives.
Vaccines during pregnancy help protect you from illness and the antibodies you create are transferred to your baby to keep them healthy during their first months. The following vaccines are recommended during pregnancy:
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)– A Tdap vaccine is recommended during each pregnancy, ideally between weeks 27 and 36. Getting Tdap helps you share antibodies with your baby before birth to prevent whooping cough (pertussis).
- Flu (influenza) - A flu shot is recommended if you are pregnant during flu season. The flu shot is safe and effective during any trimester.
- RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) – There are two options to help protect your baby during RSV season (typically September through March): you can get the RSV vaccine during weeks 32 - 36 of your pregnancy, or your baby can get an RSV immunization at birth.
- COVID-19 - Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines is recommended during pregnancy. It is safe to receive a COVID-19 vaccine any time during pregnancy.
Learn more about
vaccines during pregnancy from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Vaccines help babies build immunity so they’re protected from many diseases as soon as possible in life. A simplified childhood immunization schedule is below. Click to download a printable PDF. Talk with your child’s health care provider to schedule well-child visits and vaccinations. If you miss a vaccine dose, try to catch up as soon as possible.
Winter Respiratory Virus Vaccines
Reduce your risk of getting very sick from flu, RSV and COVID-19 this season by staying up to date on immunizations.
RSV
- Infants younger than 8 months are recommended to get a one-dose immunization to help protect against getting very sick during RSV season, which is typically October through spring.
- People who are 32-36 weeks pregnant during RSV season are recommended to receive an RSV vaccine to help protect their baby after birth.
- People 60 and older are advised to talk with their doctor about getting an RSV vaccine.
- Learn more about preventing RSV (CDC)
Flu
- An annual flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
- It’s never too late – flu shots are available through spring.
- Find a flu shot at vaccines.gov
- Learn more about annual flu shots
COVID-19
Where to find vaccines
Vaccines are widely available in Alaska at no cost or low cost, regardless of your insurance status. If you have a provider you see regularly, you can schedule an appointment to talk about vaccines you and your family may need — and to get vaccinated. Many pharmacies offer walk-in vaccinations, with no need to schedule ahead of time.
For people with private health insurance - most insurance plans cover recommended vaccines when provided by an in-network provider. Check if your provider or pharmacy is in-network.
If you don’t have health insurance — or your plan’s out-of-pocket costs for vaccines aren’t affordable — you can get vaccinated at a lower cost or for free. Public Health Centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers use an income-based sliding fee scale. No one is denied services due to inability to pay.
Tribal Members
Military
Need help making a vaccine appointment?
Call the Health Resource Helpline at 907-646-3322 or toll free at 1-833-482-9546 for assistance. Hours are 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Thursday.
