Health officials lifting lid on swine flu vaccine

Since mid-October, pharmacies across the state have dispensed thousands of immunizations against the much feared and potentially deadly H1N1 swine flu. But those immunizations have been restricted to certain high-risk groups designated by government health officials.

Thursday in Snohomish County, and Saturday in King and Pierce counties, those restrictions will be lifted. Restrictions are being lifted in a number of other counties as supplies become available.

King County officials say H1N1 influenza immunizations will be available to anyone over 6 months of age, and vaccine should be widely available.

"What it means is that as of Saturday, we can immunize anyone who requests a H1N1 shot," said Beverly Schaefer, co-owner of Katterman's Sand Point Pharmacy in Northeast Seattle.

"This is going to open it up to a tremendous body of people who have been waiting to get this shot," she said.

Public Health — Seattle & King County spokesman James Apa said county supplies of H1N1 vaccine have increased.

"This has been a continuous process, and each week we're getting more and more vaccine," he said. "Now we're meeting the demand, and more supplies are coming in all the time."

But supplies may be limited for a time at some locations.

Immunizations are expected to be available in King County from private health-care providers, designated pharmacies, and, for people who have no health insurance or otherwise can't afford to pay, through community and public-health clinics.

"Eventually there'll be enough vaccine for anyone who wants to get vaccinated, and we're going to have enough for anyone who wants it," said Apa.

As of last Friday, an estimated 380,000 people in King County considered at high-risk for complications had been vaccinated for H1N1 influenza, Apa said.

While county health officials are recommending the vaccine for everyone older than 6 months, officials are still putting special emphasis on highest-risk groups.

The health department has a list of clinics, local health care providers and pharmacies, and vaccine availability, online at www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/preparedness/pandemicflu/swineflu/pharmacies.aspx.

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, The Associated Press reported.

State Health Department spokesman Donn Moyer said every health district is considering lifting restrictions, according to the AP report.

Charles E. Brown: 206-464-2206 or cbrown@seattletimes.com