January 29, 2009
The walk-in flu vaccination clinic located at The Polyclinic First Hill, 1145 Broadway, is now closed due to low patient volumes. Flu vaccinations will be available in physician’s offices at First Hill and at all other Polyclinic locations.
The supply of seasonal flu vaccine is low, however there is still ample supply of H1N1 vaccine and people who have not yet been vaccinated are still strongly encouraged to do so. Although the H1N1 flu levels are low, it is still present and there is a possibility of resurgence. According to Public Health Seattle & King County, national estimates are that approximately 15% of the general population has been infected, therefore many persons remain susceptible. The public health department also cautions that “In previous pandemics, such as the 1957-58 flu pandemic, a later winter-early fall “third wave” occurred that hit older adults particularly hard after earlier waves that were more severe in younger persons. Although we cannot predict if a third wave of H1N1 will occur, vaccinating as many persons as possible will minimize the impact of a recurrent H1N1 outbreak and perhaps provide residual protection into next season.”
It’s also important that children under 10 years old, receive two doses of the vaccine 28 or more days apart.