The Seattle & King County Department of Health announced this week that as of this weekend the H1N1 vaccine eligibility has been expanded to include everyone six months of age and older, as supplies and availability have increased. Many health care professionals in the county have reported that they have been able to meet the demands of high-risk patients, and though vaccine supplies are expected to continue to rise, the department cautions that it still may be limited at some locations and those at high risk who have not yet been immunized should do so as soon as possible.

“We’re pleased that many of our highest risk residents have been vaccinated and that we have enough vaccine now to open eligibility to anyone who wants it,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County, in statement this week. “Even though flu has peaked, at least temporarily, H1N1 illness continues in our community. Getting vaccinated is still a very good idea.”

There are a number of local health care providers and pharmacies offering the vaccine on both an appointment and walk-in basis. Check that list here. The closest locations to Queen Anne are the Safeway in Uptown, the Ballard Fred Meyer and Bartell Drugs in Magnolia.

Seattle Children’s Hospital on Sand Point Way will be offering H1N1 swine flu vaccinations to all children between 6 months and 18 years old this Saturday, December 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The vaccine will be available at the clinic, located at the hospital’s Giraffe entrance, 4800 Sand Point Way NE. on a walk in basis only.

If able, parents should bring their child’s immunization record so staff can update it. Families should dress appropriately for the cold weather. As a reminder for parents, children 9 years and younger will need two doses of the H1N1 vaccine spaced at least 28 days apart.

Additionally, there are a number of health centers providing vaccines for those who can’t afford to pay for them. These HealthPoint clinics will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, December 12, Wednesday, December 16 and next Saturday, December 19. Public Health will have their Columbia, North, Eastgate, Renton and Federal Way locations open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 12 and 19, and from noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16. All vaccinations will be administered on a first come, first served basis. There will be no reservations, and if demand is high, people will be give a time to return later that day to receive their vaccine.