Whatcom County Health to host monthly vaccine clinics beginning in April

Scot Heisel
·4 min read
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The Whatcom County Health Department last week announced a series of free vaccination clinics scheduled each month from April through August this year.

The clinics, which are hosted or co-hosted by Whatcom County Health and Community Services, provide no-cost vaccines for those who qualify. For those who do not qualify, local grocery stores, pharmacies and healthcare facilities also have vaccines available.

Pre-registered walk-in appointments are available at the following clinics. Vaccines are available on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last.

Pre-registration links are available at the county’s website.

2030 Division Street, Bellingham

  • 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, April 2

  • 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 7

  • 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, June 4

  • 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, July 2

  • 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6

Complete the pre-registration paperwork before attending a clinic. The pre-registration link will close once we fill all pre-registration slots. Clients can attend the clinic without pre-registering, but we cannot guarantee availability. We offer available slots on a first-come, first-serve basis. All clients must check in by 5:45 pm. Clients who arrive after 5:45 pm or after we have reached capacity, will be invited to attend the next clinic. Groups of three or more should arrive at least an hour before the end of the clinic.

Available vaccines:

For people under 19: COVID-19 (Moderna 6 months to 18 years), flu, routinely recommended childhood vaccines (excluding MenB, Hib, and Rotavirus).

For people 19 years and older: Mpox, COVID-19 (Moderna only; underinsured/uninsured only), flu (uninsured only).

Vaccine availability for these clinics might change depending on supply. If your child received vaccines outside of Washington, send their previous vaccine records to Immunizations@co.whatcom.wa.us at least one week before the clinic for review by a Public Health Nurse.

East Whatcom Regional Resource Center, 8251 Kendall Rd., Maple Falls

This is a clinic through DOH’s Care-a-Van Program. This clinic is open to everyone ages 6 months and older.

Available vaccines

COVID-19, Mpox, flu, and childhood vaccines. Adult (19+) COVID-19 vaccines are no cost for un/underinsured individuals. Adult (19+) flu vaccines are no cost for uninsured individuals.

Narcan kits also will be available at this clinic, as will blood pressure and glucose checks.

Updated covid guidance

Whatcom County also updated its guidance for covid-19 last week with the following information:

You may have heard that the CDC and Washington State Department of Health (DOH) have updated their guidance around covid-19. Updated guidance is now similar for covid-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory viruses. Most people can return to normal activities when symptoms are getting better overall, and they have not had a fever (without having to use fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours.

These are baseline recommendations. People can always opt to be more protective, especially around our most vulnerable. This includes wearing a mask, taking steps to improve airflow and filtration, frequent hand washing, regular cleaning, physical distancing, and, if possible, testing when you will be around other people indoors.

Read more about who is at higher risk and how to keep them safe.

Everyone’s circumstances are different, and it is important to remember people can still be contagious even when their symptoms have improved. It’s a good idea to wear a mask or stay away from vulnerable people even after respiratory illness symptoms improve:

People with covid-19 can be contagious for 5-10 days after their illness begins. People with flu can be contagious for up to 5-7 days after their illness begins. People with RSV can be contagious for 3-8 days after their illness begins.

The preceding guidance is intended for individuals. Employers must follow Washington State Department of Labor & Industries covid-19 requirements in the workplace. Additionally, the new DOH guidance does not apply to healthcare settings. People who are staying, working, or visiting in a healthcare setting, long-term care facility, or residential care setting should follow the guidance in covid-19 Infection Prevention in Health Care Settings, and the flu guidance for healthcare settings and long-term care facilities provided by the CDC.