Tips for finding an omicron booster shot in Western Washington

Finding an appointment in Western Washington to get the new *Covid booster shot can be difficult. As KUOW's Eilis O'Neill reports, the state currently does not have enough of the new boosters for the demand, and some people are not finding options locally.

*All current Covid booster shots in Washington state are "bivalent boosters," which target the original virus and are also updated for the omicron variant.

Here are a few tips for finding an omicron booster shot in Western Washington:

• Check Washington state's vaccine locator website. This website shows you places that are administering the vaccine, and will link you to their websites. It does not make an appointment for you. Rather, you have to follow the links to the providers and make an appointment directly with them. You can also try calling Washington's vaccine hotline: 1-833-VAX-HELP (833-829-4357).
• Contact your health-care provider directly. Many doctor's offices are not listed on the state's vaccine locator website and have doses available for patients.
• Washington State Department of Health's "Care-a-Van" is a mobile vaccine clinic with stops scheduled throughout October across the state.
• Use crowdsourced social media, like this Facebook group for people seeking vaccine appointments. These groups often report what they've learned through their own searches, places with open appointments, and other tips. They can also be places to ask questions about what other people know.
• Road trip? As of this post's publishing, KUOW reports that central and eastern Washington pharmacies have more open appointments than locations around Puget Sound. Vaccine availability can change, so it is best to always check ahead and make an appointment.

Check directly with your local county health department

County health departments often hold their own vaccine clinics, or have information on local options. They also have vaccine appointments that may not be listed on the state's vaccine locator.

King County

Kitsap County

Pierce County

Skagit County

Snohomish County

Thurston County

Whatcom County

Read the full story on finding updated vaccines in Washington state here.