Everyone in county six months and older to be eligible for H1N1 vaccine
Starting this Saturday, everybody six months of age and older in King County will be eligible for the H1N1 “swine” flu vaccine, Public Health – Seattle & King County officials said today.
Because of a nation-wide vaccine shortage, health officials have been urging that only those considered at high-risk for infection or for complications receive the vaccine.
Local health providers now report that they have enough vaccine for their high-risk patients, making it possible to open up access to the vaccine, health officials said.
“We have enough vaccine now to open eligibility to anyone who wants it,” said Dr. David Fleming, director and health officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County.
About 380,000 people in King County who are at high-risk for complications have been vaccinated against H1N1, health officials said, and an additional 58,000 doses of vaccine are on the ground or in the process of being shipped to vaccine providers in the county.
Those consider to be at high risk for infection or complications include:
- 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
“Even though flu has peaked, at least temporarily, H1N1 illness continues in our community. Getting vaccinated is still a very good idea,” Dr. Fleming said.
New clinics and vaccine availability
- H1N1 vaccine is available from local health care providers and pharmacies; see availability at pharmacies.
Some centers are offering free vaccination to those who cannot afford to pay.
Clinics will be held this Saturday, December 12, Wednesday, December 16, and Saturday, December 19.
This Saturday’s HealthPoint free H1N1 clinics are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or while supplies last.
HealthPoint Clinic Locations Are:
- Auburn HealthPoint: 126 Auburn Avenue, Suite 400
- Kent HealthPoint: 403 E. Meeker
- Redmond HealthPoint: 16315 NE 87th Street, Suite B6
- SeaTac HealthPoint: 4040 S. 188th Street
Online map for HealthPoint clinic locations.
Public Health will have free H1N1 clinics this Saturday and next Saturday, December 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and (except for the Eastgate Public Health Center) next Wednesday, December 16 from noon to 7 p.m.
Public Health Clinic Locations Are:
- Seattle: Columbia Public Health Center, 4400 37th Ave South
- Seattle: North Public Health Center, 10501 Meridian Ave North
- Bellevue: Eastgate Public Health Center, 14350 SE Eastgate Way (Note: Eastgate Public Health Center will not have a Wednesday clinic)
- Renton Public Health Center, 3001 NE 4th Street
- Federal Way Public Health Center, 33431 13th Place South
Online maps for Public Health center locations.
Vaccinations are first come, first served, and no reservations will be taken. If demand is high, people will be given a designated time later that day to return and receive their vaccination. Once supply is exhausted, people will be informed as soon as they arrive.
For more information on future clinics and other H1N1 updates:
- Visit King County’s H1N1 information Web page: www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1.
- Call the Flu Hotline at 877-903-KING (5464) isstaffed with operators to answer questions from King County residents about H1N1 influenza. The Flu Hotline is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with special 24-hour nurse line service extended over the weekend for people with flu seeking medical care advice. Recorded information is available 24 hours a day.
Related posts:
- 15,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine arrive at pharmacies in Seattle and King County
- King County man dies from H1N1 “swine” flu
- First shipment of H1N1 “swine” flu vaccine to arrive this week
- H1N1 “swine” flu vaccine shipments trickle in but supply remains in short
- 120 confirmed cases of H1N1 swine flu in King County
