From King County:

H1N1 (Swine Flu) Vaccine at Pharmacies

As of December 12, 2009, H1N1 flu vaccine is available for anyone 6 months and older who lives in King County through some pharmacies. Pharmacies have specific governing requirements about who they can vaccinate, so please check about requirements when you make an appointment. See list of participating pharmacies .

Public Health is distributing vaccine to pharmacies to provide another option for people who cannot get vaccinated by a health care provider. The majority of vaccine in King County is distributed to hospitals and other health care providers.

The amount of H1N1 vaccine at pharmacies is limited, but will increase as the weeks go by and supplies become more plentiful. Please check this web page for updates.

Note for caregivers seeking H1N1 vaccine for babies and children: Many pharmacies are unable to vaccinate babies and young children because their staff is not licensed and/or trained for these age groups. Public Health is making every effort to get vaccine to healthcare providers caring for babies and young children. Health care providers who have ordered the vaccine will continue to get supplies as vaccine becomes available, Please check with your health care provider. Please see the list of participating pharmacies to find out who they can vaccinate.

What You Need to Know Before You Go to a Pharmacy

Who Is Eligible for H1N1 Vaccine Currently

Starting Saturday, December 12, 2009, those eligible to receive H1N1 influenza vaccine will be 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. It is still important for those in the high-risk groups to get vaccinated.

What Kind of Vaccine You Can Get

Pregnant women, babies and children younger than 2 years, and people through 64 years of age with chronic health conditions will get the flu shot (injectable vaccine). Flu shots must be reserved for people in these groups because they are not allowed to receive the nasal-spray vaccine and they are also among those at highest risk for severe illness and hospitalization.

Healthy people between the ages of 2 – 49 who are not pregnant can receive the nasal-spray vaccine, due to short supplies of injectable vaccine (flu shots). Once doses of injectable vaccine are more plentiful, people in this category will also be able to get them if requested. In the meantime, we ask for your patience and understanding.

Number of Doses

People 10 years and older will need one dose of the vaccine. Children under 10 will need two pediatric doses, spaced at least 28 days apart.

Cost & Health Insurance

Pharmacies may charge a fee for administering the vaccine, typically between $12 – $22 (not to exceed $22.) If you have health insurance, this fee will likely be covered. Please bring your health insurance information with you. You may need to submit a receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement.