Pressroom

Source: KTUU (Alaska)

By: Allen-Young, Corey

06/18/2014

Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell has signed a bill that will expand access to vaccinations in the state. Senate Bill 169 will apply the concept of buying in bulk and allow the state to obtain vaccines at reduced costs. Health officials say that since the flu is still circulating, readily available vaccines could be a matter of life and death. The bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Cathy Giessel (R-Anchorage), says the bill is meant to give patients universal access to vaccines, regardless of their insurance. Dr. Michael Cooper, manager of the Infectious Disease Program at the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, says that the state has seen an uptick in flu cases over the past month. Residents are advised to get vaccinated soon, as the seasonal flu vaccine usually expires by the end of June.