OLYMPIA, Wash. - Local health officials in Washington are starting to lift restrictions on swine flu vaccinations.
King County has announced that, starting Saturday, those eligible to receive H1N1 influenza vaccine will be expanded to everybody six months and older.
H1N1 vaccine is available from a number of King County health care providers and pharmacies. Click here for list.
In addition, some health centers are offering free H1N1 vaccination to people who cannot afford to pay. Clinics will be held this Saturday, December 12, Wednesday, December 16, and Saturday, December 19.
The Dec. 12 free H1N1 clinics are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or while supplies last. 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
Whatcom County and the regional health district for Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties announced Wednesday the vaccine is available to anyone. Pacific and Island counties have reportedly made the same decision.
State Health Department spokesman Donn Moyer says the decision to no longer limit the vaccine to priority groups is being made locally as more becomes available. He says with about 1.5 million doses sent to Washington, "We're getting into good territory."
Moyer says every health district is considering lifting restrictions.
Depending on early demand, supplies may be limited for a time at some locations.
Sixty-four people have died of swine or seasonal flu in Washington since Sept. 19.
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