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Hundreds of doses of Pfizer vaccine get used in Snohomish County before expiration

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — Update: The Snohomish Health District announced Sunday that no doses of the Pfizer vaccine were wasted.

Health officials said the Snohomish County Vaccine Taskforce had given out 974 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 536 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the Ash Way Park & Ride.

Original story: After May 2, hundreds of doses of the Pfizer vaccine will expire, according to a release from the Snohomish Health District.

Officials said a sudden downturn in appointments has put nearly 600 doses at risk.

This comes after nearly four months of high demand for the vaccine exceeded the supply.

In the last week, officials said there has been an abrupt change: “The taskforce has seen a sudden decrease in demand, even as supply is more consistent and appointments more readily available.”

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According to the release, changes were made quickly as reservations for appointments began to decrease.

“Appointments during the week of April 19 still were filling. During the week of April 26, they were not,” the release read.

Health officials are encouraging people to register online to book an appointment to receive a shot at the Ash Way Park & Ride vaccination site in Lynnwood. However, if those who want a shot are unable to register in advance, on-site registration will be available.

The site is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Anyone 16 and older can reserve a dose for Sunday, and a parent or guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 18.

Registration is available for drive-thru appointments at https://bit.ly/336V43q and for walk-up appointments (arrival by transit or on foot) at https://bit.ly/3nHyojQ.

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