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Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center in Fairbanks giving Pfizer vaccine to 5-11 year olds

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Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center in Fairbanks giving Pfizer vaccine to 5-11 year olds

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November 3, 2021

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently approved children between the ages of 5 to 11 to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. TCC will be hosting a Children’s Vaccine clinic each Saturday through the 20th for kids in this age range to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and their flu shot.

The clinic is open to kids between the ages of 5-11 who are household members of TCC employees or current TCC patients. To make an appointment please call 907-451-6682.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  All patients will be required to wait 15-30 minutes after receiving their vaccination to ensure there are no adverse reactions.  During the initial vaccination appointment a follow-up appointment will be made for three weeks later to administer the second dose in the two-dose series for the Pfizer vaccine.  Only the Pfizer vaccine will be available as this is the only COVID-19 currently authorized by the FDA and the CDC for use in the 5 to 11 year age group.

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Tanana Chiefs Conference(TCC) is an Alaska Native non-profit corporation, also organized as Dena' Nena' Henash or "Our Land Speaks". We work towards meeting the health and social service needs of Tribal members and beneficiaries throughout our region.

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Tanana Chiefs Conference - Healthy Strong Unified Tribes

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Tanana Chiefs Conference(TCC) is an Alaska Native non-profit corporation, also organized as Dena' Nena' Henash or "Our Land Speaks". We work towards meeting the health and social service needs of Tribal members and beneficiaries throughout our region.

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October 25, 2021

Booster shots are now available at the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center for all three types of COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson).

To receive the booster shots you must:

Be over the age of 18

Have completed your 2nd dose of Pfizer or Moderna at least 6 months ago or completed your single dose of J&J at least two months ago.

TCC booster doses are available to all TCC beneficiaries of routine care, TCC employees, or the immediate household members of either of these two groups.

Booster shots will be offered Wednesdays and Thursdays. To schedule an appointment call 907-451-6682.

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City of Galena November 1, 2021 Press Release

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City of Galena November 1, 2021 Press Release

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concerning three Galena residents testing positive for COVID-19

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3 new cases detected, with additional community spread possible.

As of November 1, GCSD plans to keep SHS and GILA open for classroom-based instruction, but with a mask requirement in effect for all students and staff.

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City of Galena September 30, 2021 Press Release

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City of Galena September 30, 2021 Press Release

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concerning at least 3 new cases of COVID-19 and possible community spread. Recommendations for avoiding contact with people from other households are also described.

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City of Galena Media Notice Sept 30 2021

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FDA Authorizes Booster Doses of the Pfizer COVID Vaccine

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FDA Authorizes Booster Doses of the Pfizer COVID Vaccine

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In addition to all people age 65 and older, boosters will be authorized for people over the age of 18 who are at relatively high risk of contracting COVID at work, "such as health care workers, teachers and day care staff, grocery workers and those in homeless shelters or prisons, among others."

Please review the details at the FDA press release, dated Sept. 22, 2021:

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-booster-dose-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine-certain-populations

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Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to allow for use of a single booster dose, to be administered at least six months after completion of the primary series in:

individuals 65 years of age and older;

individuals 18 through 64 years of age at high risk of severe COVID-19; and

individuals 18 through 64 years of age whose frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 puts them at high risk of serious complications of COVID-19 including severe COVID-19.

Today's authorization applies only to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.
"Today's action demonstrates that science and the currently available data continue to guide the FDA's decision-making for COVID-19 vaccines during this pandemic. After considering the totality of the available scientific evidence and the deliberations of our advisory committee of independent, external experts, the FDA amended the EUA for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to allow for a booster dose in certain populations such as health care workers, teachers and day care staff, grocery workers and those in homeless shelters or prisons, among others," said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. "This pandemic is dynamic and evolving, with new data about vaccine safety and effectiveness becoming available every day. As we learn more about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, including the use of a booster dose, we will continue to evaluate the rapidly changing science and keep the public informed." The Process for Assessing the Available Data
Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA), was approved by the FDA on Aug. 23, for the prevention of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 in individuals 16 years of age and older. On Aug. 25, 2021, the FDA received a supplement from Pfizer Inc. to their biologics license application for Comirnaty seeking approval of a single booster dose to be administered approximately six months after completion of the primary vaccination series for individuals 16 years of age and older.

As part of the FDA's commitment to transparency, the agency convened a public meeting of its Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) on Sept. 17 to solicit input from independent scientific and public health experts on the data submitted in the application. During the meeting, the vaccine manufacturer presented information and data in support of its application. The FDA also presented its analysis of clinical trial data submitted by the vaccine manufacturer. Additionally, the public was also given an opportunity to provide comment; and FDA invited international and U.S. agencies and external groups, including representatives from the Israeli Ministry of Health, the University of Bristol, U.K. and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to present recent data on the use of vaccine boosters, epidemiology of COVID-19, and real-world evidence on vaccine effectiveness.

The FDA considered the data that the vaccine manufacturer submitted, information presented at the VRBPAC meeting, and the committee's discussion, and has determined that based on the totality of the available scientific evidence, a booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine may be effective in preventing COVID-19 and that the known and potential benefits of a booster dose outweigh the known and potential risks in the populations that the FDA is authorizing for use. The booster dose is authorized for administration to these individuals at least six months following completion of their primary series and may be given at any point after that time.

It's important to note that the FDA-authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is the same formulation as the FDA-approved Comirnaty and the vaccines may be used interchangeably.
"We're grateful for the advice of the doctors, scientists, and leading vaccine experts on our advisory committee and the important role they have played in ensuring transparent discussions about COVID-19 vaccines. We appreciate the robust discussion, including the vote regarding individuals over 65 years of age and individuals at high risk for severe disease, as well as the committee's views regarding the use of a booster dose for those with institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2," said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. "The FDA considered the committee's input and conducted its own thorough review of the submitted data to reach today's decision. We will continue to analyze data submitted to the FDA pertaining to the use of booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines and we will make further decisions as appropriate based on the data." Data Supporting Authorization for Emergency Use
To support the authorization for emergency use of a single booster dose, the FDA analyzed safety and immune response data from a subset of participants from the original clinical trial of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. In addition, consideration was given to real-world data on the vaccine's efficacy over a sustained period of time provided by both U.S. and international sources, including the CDC, the UK and Israel. The immune responses of approximately 200 participants 18 through 55 years of age who received a single booster dose approximately six months after their second dose were assessed. The antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 virus one month after a booster dose of the vaccine compared to the response one month after the two-dose primary series in the same individuals demonstrated a booster response.

Additional analysis conducted by the manufacturer, as requested by the FDA, compared the rates of COVID-19 accrued during the current Delta variant surge among original clinical trial participants who completed the primary two-dose vaccination series early in the clinical trial to those who completed a two-dose series later in the study. The analysis submitted by the company showed that during the study period of July and August 2021, the incidence of COVID-19 was higher among the participants who completed their primary vaccine series earlier, compared to participants who completed it later. The FDA determined that the rate of breakthrough COVID-19 reported during this time period translates to a modest decrease in the efficacy of the vaccine among those vaccinated earlier.

Safety was evaluated in 306 participants 18 through 55 years of age and 12 participants 65 years of age and older who were followed for an average of over two months. The most commonly reported side effects by the clinical trial participants who received the booster dose of the vaccine were pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, as well as fatigue, headache, muscle or joint pain and chills. Of note, swollen lymph nodes in the underarm were observed more frequently following the booster dose than after the primary two-dose series.

Since Dec. 11, 2020, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine has been available under EUA for individuals 16 years of age and older. The authorization was expanded on May 20, 2021 to include those 12 through 15 years of age, and again on Aug. 12, 2021 to include the use of a third dose of a three-dose primary series in certain immunocompromised individuals 12 years of age and older. EUAs can be used by the FDA during public health emergencies to provide access to medical products that may be effective in preventing, diagnosing, or treating a disease, provided that the FDA determines that the known and potential benefits of a product, when used to prevent, diagnose, or treat the disease, outweigh the known and potential risks of the product.

The amendment to the EUA to include a single booster dose was granted to Pfizer Inc.

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FDA Authorizes Booster Dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Certain Populations

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FDA amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to allow for the use of a single booster dose, to be administered at least six months after completion of the primary series with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in certain populations.

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TSA extends face mask requirement through January 18, 2022

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TSA extends face mask requirement through January 18, 2022

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Face masks are required for all passengers "across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems" until January 18, 2022.

https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2021/08/20/tsa-extends-face-mask-requirement-through-january-18-2022

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WASHINGTON - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is extending the face mask requirement for individuals across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems through January 18, 2022.

On January 31, TSA announced the initial face mask requirement with an expiration date of May 11. On April 30, TSA announced an extension to the face mask requirement through September 13, 2021.

Airline travelers should check with their airline on additional inflight restrictions prior to taking their trip. All commuters and travelers should check with the CDC website for additional guidance. Exemptions to the face mask requirement for travelers under the age of 2 years old and those with certain disabilities as well as civil penalty fines will also remain in place.

Travelers with questions regarding airport security screening procedures may send a message via Facebook or Twitter to @AskTSA for live assistance from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET on weekdays or 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET on weekends/holidays. Individuals who require screening assistance due to a disability, medical condition or other special circumstance may contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours in advance of their flight by calling (855) 787-2227. For additional information about TSA procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of our "Stay Healthy. Stay Secure." campaign, visit tsa.gov/coronavirus.

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TSA extends face mask requirement through January 18, 2022

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WASHINGTON - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is extending the face mask requirement for individuals across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems through January 18, 2022.

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TCC COVID test policies in Fairbanks, as of August 19, 2021

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TCC COVID test policies in Fairbanks, as of August 19, 2021

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CDC Recommendations for dealing with the Delta variant of the corona virus

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CDC Recommendations for dealing with the Delta variant of the corona virus

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https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html

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According to the City of Galena, there are at least 4 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Galena, with the extent of further community spread unknown.

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City of Galena August 19, 2021 Press Release 

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City of Galena August 19, 2021 Press Release 

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concerning at least 4 positive cases of COVID-19 detected in Galena

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August 19 2021 Galena COVID Media Notice

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concerning the City Council's failure to approve Ordinance 2021-27.

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The YKEALF will only allow the following people into the building: staff on duty, necessary medical personnel, and necessary maintenance.  This rule will remain in effect through  August 28 and possibly beyond that.

The YKEALF has also temporarily suspended the meals on wheels program for elders living elsewhere in the community.

YKEALF administrators wish to thank the caregivers for their continued dedicated service.

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The Galena City Council did not renew the requirements for travelers coming into Galena. As of April 23, 2021, travelers no longer need to get tested for COVID prior to arrival in Galena, nor do they have to fill out and turn in travel declaration forms.

The wearing of face masks in public facilities continues to be strongly recommended, but is no longer required under city ordinances.

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In-person instruction has returned to SHS and GILA. The schools were in the "red zone" for 8 school days prior to April 1.

No additional cases of COVID-19 have been discovered at this time.

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concerning additional cases of COVID discovered since the March 19 press release.

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City of Galena Media Notice March 26 2021

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Three additional cases of COVID-19 were detected over the preceding week, bringing the total number of cases in this cluster to five.

Contact tracing indicates that the initial source of infection for this cluster was an event in the Fairbanks area.

In response to the discovery of additional cases, the Galena City School District moved into the "red zone" and transitioned to online and distance delivery of classes.

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concerning two new cases of COVID in Galena

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City of Galena Media Notice March 19 2021

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On Friday, March 19, two students at the Galena Interior Learning Academy tested positive for COVID-19. According to a press release, the City of Galena "anticipate[s] that the impact of any transmission will be small due to high rates of vaccination" in Galena, but nevertheless is classifying this as a "high risk situation" and recommends that individuals who are not fully vaccinated for COVlD19 shelter in place until at least March 29th, when the City will issue a follow-up statement.

Schools in Galena (SHS and GILA) have moved into the red zone, meaning that students are staying home and all instruction is happening remotely until further notice.

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Updated February 2021

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General COVID precautions (updated Feb 24, 2021)

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General COVID precautions (updated Feb 24, 2021)

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The ENHC continues to encourage Galena residents to be aware of and follow these important COVID safety guidelines:

1. Keep wearing your mask when interacting with people outside your household.
2. Keep washing you hands and sanitizing high-touch surface areas.
3. Get tested if you feel sick.

A COVID test conducted 7 days after the completion of travel is recommended, but no longer required.

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City of Galena COVID-19 Community Survey Results

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City of Galena COVID-19 Community Survey Results

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146 Galena residents responded to the survey, released in early February 2021.

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Feb 2021COVID-19 Galena Community Survey

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Town Hall Presentation from 1/26/2021 by Shirley Cleaver 

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Town Hall Presentation from 1/26/2021 by Shirley Cleaver 

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updated November 18, 2020

To continue to protect ourselves and each other, the ENHC urges everyone to wear masks, practice social distancing, wash hands, and minimize travel.

Consider supporting elders and neighbors by calling them, delivering food to them, or helping them access technology for virtual connection.

Everyone should be aware that access to COVID19 testing can change, and tests may not be available at all times.  Other communities may impose shelter-in-place mandates, which could impact planned travel.

Finally, the ENHC would like encourage families to evaluate their emergency readiness, and prepare for possible quarantines.

Everyone is invited to contact behavioral health services for assistance with stress, grief, or feelings of isolation, depression or anxiety.

TCC Behavioral Health Phone: (907) 459-3800, or toll free (800) 478-7822

Quarantine Buddy Program (907)656-1366, ext 5327

Careline: text 4help to 839863

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From Dr. Tamara A Huntington, Edgar Nollner Health Center

The ENHC will receive a supply of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday, February 3rd.  This may be the last chance to receive initial doses of a COVID vaccine for many months.

This round of vaccinations will be open to all individuals who are at least 16 years of age.  Minors need a signed parental consent before their scheduled appointment.

Second dose appointments will be scheduled for 2/24/21.

The community of Galena is approaching herd immunity, via vaccination, and could reach 70% coverage after this round of vaccinations if enough people agree to be vaccinated.

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From Dr Tamara A Huntington, Edgar Nollner Health Center.

"ENHC will be offering an additional round of COVID19 vaccinations next week, Thursday 1/21/2021.  Please call ENHC [656-1366] if you would like to be vaccinated.  If you have already called to be on the waitlist, call to schedule a time.  We hope to be able to offer vaccines to anyone who is an essential worker – which includes education, infrastructure, stores, transportation and public safety.  If you are not an essential worker and would like to be on a waitlist, we will take your name in case there are sufficient doses."

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Emergency Ordinance 2021-22: Requiring travel declaration forms from individuals traveling into Galena

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Emergency Ordinance 2021-22: Requiring travel declaration forms from individuals traveling into Galena

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REPEALED ON FEBRUARY 23, 2021

Originally passed by the Galena City Council at its January 12, 2021 meeting.