Extra doses of COVID-19 vaccine given out at end of day

SEATTLE — A loophole in the vaccination process is allowing some people to skip the line.

It has to do with the city’s vaccination clinics, where leftover doses are being given to anyone with a willing arm, no matter the age.

They do go by age, somewhat. The older you are, the better chance you have of getting the leftover vaccine.

They stood in line on a sunny Friday, some with their own reading material, all of them hoping that when the appointments at this Rainier Beach pop-up clinic are filled, some of the precious COVID-19 vaccines will be leftover.

“I actually just found out about this today,” said Kari Lerum. “I came in to get a test. And I saw there were extras available after hours. So I thought I would give it a try.”

Lerum was hoping to be one of the lucky ones to get her shot on this day.

“I’m eager to get my vaccine as soon as it is available,” she said. “I’m still under the age of where it’s required or where I’m eligible.”

“I work in the public, but I haven’t been working because I wanted to get vaccinated first so I can get back to work, so,” said Ramona. “The sooner, the better to get back to work.”

For now, only those 65 or older, have an underlying medical condition, live with someone who does, or is in the education system is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Moderna and the Pfizer vaccines require cold storage that gives each a short shelf life. So they have to be used before they spoil.

Just before 4:30 p.m. on Friday, they got the good news.

“We have 20 doses today,” announced a Seattle fire department captain. “We’re going to line you up based on your age with the oldest first until we get to 20.”

And just like that, Ramona and Lerum joined the ranks of the newly vaccinated.

“I feel amazing,” said Lerum. “I am so excited. I feel really blessed.”

When the clinic opens Saturday at Lumen Field, there will be a standby list. If there are extra doses near the end of the day, they will send a text message.

Those who respond first will get in as long as they can get down there.

Cox Media Group