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This morning the very first shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine arrived in King County. Vaccine availability, while limited, represents a major step in our fight against COVID-19.
Most importantly, this exciting news gives us all hope.
But many questions remain about what’s next. Who gets the first doses? Where will they be distributed? When can I or my loved ones become eligible to get the vaccine?
It’s important to remember that the distribution of vaccines will be a long process and a vaccine shortage will exist for quite some time. Read today’s Seattle Times Q&A with Fred Hutch’s Dr. Larry Corey on the vaccines and what’s next >>>
The State of Washington’s vaccine plan calls for the first available vaccine doses to be administered to high-risk health workers, as well as staff and residents of long-term care facilities. The State Department of Health estimates around 500,000 people in Washington will be eligible for the vaccine in during this initial phase, called Phase 1A. Read more details about Phase 1A here >>>
We’ll know more about who will be vaccinated in later phases from guidance that will be made by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. View the state’s interim vaccine plan and additional vaccine information at the State Department of Health webpage >>>
We Can't Let Down Our Guard
In the near-term, as COVID-19 surges in King County, the proven public health measures are critical as we wait for vaccine distribution to ramp up – keep six feet distance, wash your hands and wear a mask.
Stay informed on the status of COVID-19 in King County by checking out these data dashboards >>>
New Testing Facility for the Eastside
Beginning tomorrow (Tues. Dec. 15), a free and convenient COVID-19 testing site will open at Bellevue College. It’s the first free, high-capacity COVID-19 test site located on the Eastside. Operated by International Community Health Services (ICHS) and hosted by Bellevue College, with support from King County and the City of Bellevue, the testing site will be free and open to anyone, regardless of insurance or immigration status.
The new test site is located at Bellevue College, 2645 145th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98007. The entrance is on 148th Ave SE. Drive-thru and limited walk-up testing is available. The test site is available via Metro Transit routes 221, 226, 228, 245, and 271.
The test site will be open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. People are strongly encouraged, but not required, to schedule and register for a testing appointment. Visit www.kingcounty.gov/covid/sites to see information on all free test sites in King County, including Bellevue College.
Bring your insurance card and driver’s license if you have them. Remember, no one will be turned away if they do not have insurance or a driver’s license. Language interpretation is available.
Spread the Word!
Please forward this email widely and invite others to sign-up to my email updates to receive important and timely information for District 6 constituents.
Sincerely,
 Claudia Balducci
King County Council
Council Chair
District 6
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