King County public health’s four H1N1 vaccination clinics will suspended operations at the end of the day Friday.

As a result of high demand at these four sites, all the vaccine initially set aside for this purpose has been used and no additional vaccine has become available because of the national delay in vaccine production. Vaccine continues to be available through some health care providers in King County, but remains in very short supply.

Over the three days of the vaccination clinic this week, an estimated 3,000 people without health insurance and with significant health problems received H1N1 vaccine at the Public Health clinics. While all health care providers are facing shortages, many of those most in need of vaccine will have the opportunity to receive vaccine in the coming weeks, as the expected delivery of additional orders will bring the total amount received in King County to 90,000 doses by Friday, Oct. 30.

“We wish we had more vaccine available now, but are hostage to current unpredictable delays in national vaccine production. With limited supplies, it’s all the more important to make sure that we use every dose as soon as we can,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “We’re glad we were rapidly able to use the doses we had to protect many people at highest risk.”

Public Health is responsible for the allocation of all H1N1 vaccine to the health care community in King County. Because there is less vaccine than is needed, supplies are distributed proportionally and in rotation based on the date of provider order. By the end of next week, most King County health care providers are expected to receive the first portion of their requested amount to vaccinate their highest-risk patients. Public Health plans to resume H1N1 vaccination clinics when the next allocation for its clinic order comes due.

As more vaccine comes into the county and to health care providers each week, people should contact their health care provider to find out when they expect to receive vaccine. Health care providers who have not ordered vaccine may still do so from Public Health.

Visit the Public Health H1N1 influenza Web site for updates on vaccine availability in the community or call the Flu Hotline at 877-903-5464, which will be staffed with operators to answer questions for King County residents about H1N1 influenza. Hours of operation with operators will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; recorded information will be available 24 hours a day.