King County moved its Auburn community vaccination site March 29 from the General Services Administration Complex to the Outlet Collection shopping center in Auburn, according to a county press release.
In a partnership with Boeing, which has contributed to the clinic’s infrastructure, the larger facility will allow for six times the appointment capacity of the previous site.
The Auburn and Kent vaccination sites have contributed to the larger countywide effort of administering over 960,000 vaccine doses to date, and to closing the equity gap for those whom COVID-19 has disproportionately affected.
This move and vaccine access expansion come just as vaccine eligibility is increasing across Washington. As of March 31, approximately 1.2 million King County residents became eligible under the existing and expanding criteria.
“Our expanded capacity at our Auburn clinic will help us get more vaccine to the communities hardest hit by the outbreak, and help us all stay healthy,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Working together with our community partners, King County is ready to get everyone vaccinated once supply allows.”
“King County has been relentless in their efforts to provide South King County with COVID-19 resources to fight this virus,” said Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus. “I cannot be more proud of our business partners at the Outlet Collection and the Boeing Company for stepping in to help make this strategic move. I also want to extend my deepest appreciation to our local firefighters from the Valley Regional Fire Authority and the Puget Sound Fire Authority who have been working alongside us from the beginning to administer vaccines and care for us. I urge all residents of Auburn to utilize this vaccination site when you become eligible so we can bring this virus under control.”
“Boeing is honored to support Public Health – Seattle & King County in opening a new mass vaccination clinic in Auburn,” said Auburn site leader Melissa Fleener. “Our neighbors in South King County have been impacted by the pandemic to a higher degree than many of the surrounding communities, and we are pleased to be able to provide assistance where it is most needed.”
The Auburn Outlet Collection site also offers other benefits to community members as they prepare for vaccination, including:
• Easier access by transit. The site is located directly on several major bus lines and can be reached by a direct bus service from Auburn Station.
• Accessible to those without a vehicle. The previous drive-through only site required access to a vehicle. The new facility is ADA accessible, and mobility assistance from trained staff is available on site to help patients if needed.
• Indoor operations. The new site is entirely indoors, which prevents weather-related disruptions and creates a safer environment for all during the vaccine administration process.
The current drive-through COVID-19 testing site at the General Services Administration Complex in Auburn will continue to operate. More information on how to secure testing appointments is available at Public Health’s website: www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health.aspx
For assistance registering by phone, call Washington state’s COVID-19 Assistance Hotline at 1-800-525-0127, then press # for help with registration by phone. For language interpretation state your preferred language when you are connected.
