State Of Alaska Reports Last Winter's Flu Season Killed 36 People. Vaccination Rates Are Far Lower Here Than In U.S.

REPORT ON INFLUENZA FROM THE STATE OF ALASKA EPIDEMIOLOGY DEPARTMENT 
SEPTEMBER, 2026

Alaska’s 2025–26 influenza season was more active and severe than the previous three seasons, with cases rising rapidly in November and peaking in late December and early January before declining through spring and reaching low levels by May–July. 

Influenza A/H3 was the predominant strain early in the season, followed by increased influenza B activity through April; some circulating viruses differed from the strains included in the seasonal vaccine, and no antiviral resistance was detected in tested samples. 

Thirty-six influenza-associated deaths were reported, with no pediatric deaths. Vaccination coverage among Alaskans aged 19 and older was 22.7%, well below the estimated national average of 46.5%, while preliminary vaccine effectiveness was also lower than in typical seasons. 

Clinicians are advised to encourage seasonal influenza vaccination, consider early antiviral treatment for people at higher risk of severe illness, and support ongoing laboratory and disease surveillance and reporting.