H1N1 vaccine is now widely available throughout King County with two new clinics set for Bellevue for those who can’t afford to pay.

Over 600,000 people in King County have been vaccinated against the H1N1 influenza (“swine flu”), but many people in King County do not yet have immunity and remain at risk to a virus that continues to circulate in the community, health officials say. With vaccine availability continuing to widen, officials say now is a good time for anyone six months of age and older to take advantage of the vaccination opportunity.

H1N1 vaccine is available at many health care providers and local participating pharmacies. For people who can’t afford to pay, Public Health – Seattle & King County will open several clinics, including two in Bellevue. They are Eastgate Public Health Center (14350 SE Eastgate Way) Saturdays, January 9, 16, 23, 30; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; and Sea Mar – Bellevue (1811 156th Ave NE, Suite #2) Monday, January 11 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday, January 16 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Vaccinations are first come, first served, and no reservations will be taken.

“H1N1 influenza has caused severe illness particularly among children, as well as pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions and weakened immune systems,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “We’re still seeing H1N1 influenza illness in our community, and we can prevent new waves of infection in coming months by vaccinating more people now. The current vaccine has been found to be very effective in protecting against the H1N1 virus.”

The overall death rate due to H1N1 has been lower than expected, but the death rate among children has been 5 to 10 times higher than seasonal influenza. For children under 10 years old who have received one dose of vaccine, now is a good time to get a second dose of vaccine if 28 days or more have passed since the first dose.