A registered nurse prepares a COVID-19 vaccine at the pop-up clinic on the Spit on May 27. (Photo by Sarah Knapp/Homer News)

A registered nurse prepares a COVID-19 vaccine at the pop-up clinic on the Spit on May 27. (Photo by Sarah Knapp/Homer News)

Officials: Best immunity is through vaccination

Although COVID infection produces antibodies that can help fight the virus, it’s risky to take that chance.

Health officials with the state Department of Health and Social Services Thursday urged Alaskans to gain COVID-19 immunity through approved vaccines — which they said dramatically decreases an individual’s chance of hospitalization and death — rather than through natural infection of the virus.

State Epidemiologist Joe McLaughlin said that although COVID infection produces antibodies that can help fight the virus, it’s risky to take that chance.

“I want all Alaskans to know that this virus is going to be circulating in Alaska and across the globe for the foreseeable future, so the chances are exceedingly high that you will ultimately get infected at some point if you’re not vaccinated,” McLaughlin said.

McLaughlin said that although some preliminary, non-peer-reviewed studies suggest immunity through natural infection may produce similar protection to a vaccine, other negative health effects can come from the disease.

“If you just allow natural infection to occur, you’re putting yourself at risk for lots of serious adverse health consequences, including hospitalization, ICU state and potentially death,” McLaughlin said.

According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, patients were more at risk for various ailments after being infected with COVID than they were after receiving a vaccine. Some of the conditions that showed increased susceptibility after COVID infection included irregular heart rhythm, certain blood clots, bleeding in the brain and inflammation of the heart.

“Unfortunately, the risk of serious health problems associated with COVID-19 is considerable, as evidenced by the high rates of hospitalization that we’re currently seeing in Alaska and across the country,” McLaughlin said. “So please help us control the spread of COVID by getting vaccinated.”

On Thursday only about 55% of Alaskans 12 and older statewide were fully inoculated. That number decreases to 47% on the Kenai Peninsula.

The state also announced another 727 positive COVID cases Thursday, which included 53 on the peninsula. The whole state was categorized as high alert for transmission.

As an incentive to get the jab, the DHSS and Alaska Chamber of Commerce launched on Thursday a lottery program for newly vaccinated eligible residents that offers weekly winners a prize of at least $49,000. The incentive campaign is aimed at boosting the state vaccination rate by November before the delta variant takes more of a toll on individuals, businesses and the health care system, officials said.

The delta variant accounted for approximately 99% of sequenced COVID cases detected statewide, according to the latest state genomic sequencing report.

For more information about how to enter the incentive program, visit giveakashot.com.

COVID-19 vaccines do not cost money. To find a vaccine, visit vaccines.gov.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.

More in News

Evan Frisk calls for full-time staffing of the Central Emergency Services’ Kasilof station during a meeting of the CES Joint Operational Service Area Board on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at Soldotna Prep School in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kasilof residents ask for full staffing at fire station

Public testimony centered repeatedly on the possible wait times for an ambulance

The southbound lane of Homer Spit Road, which was damaged by the Nov. 16 storm surge, is temporarily repaired with gravel and reopened on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Homer’s Spit road reopened to 2 lanes

Repairs and reinforcement against erosion will continue through December

The under-construction Soldotna Field House stands in Soldotna, Alaska, on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
‘We’re really moving along’

Officials give field house updates at Soldotna City Council meeting

Kenai Civil Air Patrol Cadet Elodi Frisk delivers Thanksgiving meals to seniors during the Hilcorp Areawide Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon in the Kenai Senior Center banquet hall in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Giving thanks together

Seniors gather for annual Hilcorp Areawide Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon

Shrubs grow outside of the Kenai Courthouse on Monday, July 3, 2023, in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Anchor Point man indicted for 3 shootings at Homer family planning clinic, recovery center

The grand jury returned 12 counts total for the three shootings

The entrance to the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center is barricaded on Overland Avenue in Kenai, Alaska, on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Citing dangerous drivers, Kenai closes one entrance to visitor’s center

The barricade will be removed temporarily on Friday for Christmas Comes to Kenai festivities

A Kenai Peninsula Food Bank truck in the Food Bank parking lot on Aug. 4, 2022 in Soldotna, Alaska (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Food bank seeks turkey donations as Thanksgiving nears

The local food bank is calling for donations of $25 to “Adopt-A-Turkey” for a local family in need

Seward City Hall is seen under cloudy skies in Seward, Alaska, on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Seward budget hearing covers bed tax, wages, emergency medical services

The Seward City Council on Nov. 12 considered a series of legislative items connected to 2025 and 2026 budget

The results of ranked choice tabulation show Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, winning reelection in the race for Senate District D. (Screenshot/Gavel Alaska)
Bjorkman, Vance win reelection after tabulation of ranked choice ballots

An effort to repeal ranked choice voting and the open primary system was very narrowly defeated

Most Read