Seattle and King County are reopening their government-operated vaccination clinics to help provide COVID-19 booster shots to those who are eligible, officials said Monday.
King County has already reopened or expanded 17 clinics throughout the area and began administering booster shots Saturday. Seattle plans to open three clinics next month. Those clinics will serve West, South and Central Seattle.
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All 20 clinics will administer first, second and booster doses of a vaccine. At the moment, only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for use as a booster.
“Our King County vaccination sites are ready with free, safe, effective vaccines for all eligible residents,” County Executive Dow Constantine said in a news release. “From first and second doses, to booster shots for those who qualify, our team from Public Health and community partners across King County are here to help keep you and your family safe from this dangerous virus.”
The CDC recommends booster shots be provided to anyone over the age of 65, as well as those living in long-term care facilities and those with underlying medical conditions who range in age from 50 to 64.
Booster shots are also recommended for anyone with an underlying medical condition between the ages of 18 and 49, as well as workers between the ages of 18 and 64 whose job puts them at a high risk of catching the virus. Employees working in health care facilities, schools, childcare centers, homeless shelters and correctional institutions are all considered at high risk of catching COVID.
One important caveat: Those currently hoping to receive a booster shot must have received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago.
“Seattle has led the way by listening to our public health officials and speaking as one government — it’s why we have the lowest cases, hospitalizations and deaths of every major city, and one of the highest vaccination rates,” Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan said in the release. “Vaccines save lives, so we’re ready to ramp up our efforts again to equitably vaccinate the most vulnerable, older adults, and our kids.”
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The release said both the city of Seattle and King Cunty have enough doses to serve everyone who is eligible. Vaccines are free and do not require health insurance.
You can make an appointment by visiting the county’s website.