Those eligible to receive H1N1 influenza vaccine has been expanded to everybody six months of age and older in King County. Depending on early demand among this broader group, supplies may be limited for a time at some locations.
Public Health – Seattle & King County is taking this next step in widening H1N1 vaccine eligibility because many health care providers in King County are now reporting that they are able to meet the demand for their highest risk patients and vaccine supplies are increasing and expected to continue to rise steadily.
“We’re pleased that many of our highest risk residents have been vaccinated and that 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. “Even though flu has peaked, at least temporarily, H1N1 illness continues in our community. Getting vaccinated is still a very good idea.”
As of Dec. 4, an estimated 380,000 people in King County who are at high-risk for complications have been vaccinated for H1N1 influenza, 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.
Vaccination continues to be particularly important for people at highest risk for H1N1, including 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, and healthcare and emergency workers.
New clinics and
vaccine availability
H1N1 vaccine is available from local health care providers and pharmacies; see availability at pharmacies.
Public Health will have five free H1N1 clinics Saturday, Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. These same sites, except for Eastgate Public Health Center, will also have clinics on Wednesday, Dec. 16 from noon to 7 p.m. 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 (Eastgate Public Health Center will not have a Wednesday clinic).
Vaccinations are first come, first served, and no reservations will be taken.
