H1N1 “swine” flu vaccine now widely available

The vaccine for H1N1 (swine flu) is now widely available in Washington state, and anyone who wants the vaccine should be able to get it, Washington State Department of Health said Thursday,

Previously, due to an initial shortage, eligibility for the vaccine had been limited to people who were at high risk of infection or for complications from the infection.

These included:

• Pregnant women

• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age

• People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old

• People between 25 through 64 years of age with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems

• Healthcare and emergency workers with direct patient contact

Now, anyone over 6 months of age is now eligible to receive H1N1 vaccine in King County.

Although flu activity has slowed in recent weeks, there as still more cases than normal for this time of year and the virus continue to spread throughout the community, health officials said.

In addition, it is possible that over the holidays the outbreak will rebound as people travel across the country and get together will family and friends.

People wanting the vaccine should check with their health care provider. Retail pharmacies, grocery stores, and local public health agencies may also have vaccine.

You can check pharmacy locations at www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1.

In addition, free vaccination clinics for those who cannot afford to pay will be held at the following locations:

Saturday, December 19, 2009

• Auburn: HealthPoint (126 Auburn Avenue, Suite 400), 9 am – 12 pm
• Bellevue: Eastgate Public Health Center (14350 SE Eastgate Way), 9 am – 5 pm
• Bellevue: Sea Mar – Bellevue Medical (1811 156th Ave NE, Suite # 2), 9 am – 5 pm
• Federal Way: Public Health Center (33431 13th Place S), 9 am – 5 pm
• Kent: HealthPoint (403 E Meeker, Kent), 9 am – 12 pm
• Redmond: HealthPoint (16315 NE 87th St, Suite B6), 9 am – 12 pm
• Renton: Public Health Center (3001 NE 4th St), 9 am – 5 pm
• Seattle: Columbia Public Health Center (4400 37th Ave S), 9 am – 5 pm
• Seattle: North Public Health Center (10501 Meridian Ave N), 9 am – 5 pm
• Seattle: Sea Mar – South Park (8720 14th Ave S), 9 am – 5 pm
• Seattle: Sea Mar – White Center (9650 15th Ave. S.W. #100), 9 am – 5 pm

Tuesday, December 22 , 2009

• Seattle: Sea Mar – South Park (8720 14th Ave S), 2 pm – 8 pm

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

• Bellevue: Sea Mar – Bellevue Medical (1811 156th Ave NE, Suite # 2), 10 am – 4 pm
• Seattle: Sea Mar – White Center (9650 15th Ave. S.W. #100), 1 pm – 8 pm

To learn more:

• For information for Seattle and King County go to www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1 or call the Flu Hotline at 1-877-903-5464.
• For statewide information go to the Washington Department of Health’s H1N1 information Web site: www.doh.wa.gov/h1n1/) which has vaccine information, and tips on how schools, businesses, and families can avoid getting sick.
• For a map of local health agencies where you can learn about where to get the vaccine go to: www.doh.wa.gov/LHJMap/LHJMap.htm

Related posts:

1. Everyone in county six months and older to be eligible for H1N1 vaccine
2. Some H1N1 “swine” flu vaccine for children under three recalled
3. H1N1 “swine” flu vaccine shipments trickle in but supply remains in short
4. First shipment of H1N1 “swine” flu vaccine to arrive this week
5. FDA approves vaccine for H1N1 “swine” flu