Hundreds in county get free flu shots

Nearly 1,000 people got influenza vaccinations Sunday in the wake of public concern after the flu-related deaths of youngsters in recent weeks.

The total number of vaccinations given Sunday was 961, including 511 at the county's Auburn site and 450 at its North Seattle location. Many of those who went to clinics Sunday were parents and their children.

"We frankly didn't know what to expect, but we were definitely pleased with the response," said James Apa, a spokesman for Public Health — Seattle & King County.

"We did this out of recognition that there is a lot of concern in the community right now, particularly with the recent tragic deaths we've seen," Apa said. "It's not too late in the season. This is one of the best ways people can protect themselves."

Two grade-school students in King County have died from complications from the flu, one last week and one the previous week. But the King County Medical Examiner ruled that the death of 7-year-old Luke Deasy of Bellevue last week primarily was from a bacterial infection of the pericardium, a saclike membrane surrounding the heart.

Marija Alumbaugh, 8, of Seattle, and Sarah Horner, 7, of Kent, both developed an inflammation of the heart called myocarditis — a different inflammation from Deasy's. Both girls were infected with influenza A, the most common type of flu virus now circulating in King County and the nation.

Officials say there is no link among the three cases.

Sunday's vaccination clinics were unique, Apa said: The flu shots were offered for free, without appointment, at two county health centers on a holiday weekend. Another round of free, walkup vaccinations will be offered between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. today at the Eastgate Public Health Center, 14350 S.E. Eastgate Way, Bellevue.

Flu vaccinations

Public Health — Seattle & King County: www.metrokc.gov/health or call 206-296-4949, then press 1.

After Monday, vaccinations will still be available at the county's nine public-health clinics for $15 each.

The health agency recommends the vaccine for all children 2 months to 5 years old, as well as other high-risk groups, such as seniors and those with chronic health conditions, and their family members. The agency says the majority of children who suffer severe complications or die from flu are not vaccinated.

It takes one to two weeks for the flu vaccine to fully take effect.

Until this month, King County had not recorded a flu-related death in children for seven years.

Nationally, 13 children have died from flu so far this season, not including the two recent deaths in King County.

Marc Ramirez: 206-464-8102 or mramirez@seattletimes.com