Long lines at vaccine clinics frustrate eligible Washington residents

Long lines are frustrating many people in Washington eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in phases 1A and 1B. 

Long lines at vaccine clinics frustrate eligible Washington residents

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Doug and Kari Murphy said they waited for hours at the Sea Mar Clinic in Federal Way, only to be turned away.

The clinic said staff had to switch to walk-up vaccinations because they were overwhelmed with phone calls. But then there weren’t enough vaccines to accommodate everyone who showed up.

The clinic’s deputy director said to check online to see which sites have vaccines avialable.

A similar problem is plaguing vaccine sites in counties across western Washington. 

RELATED: Counties struggle for COVID-19 vaccine supply as Washington state expands eligibility

State health officials acknowledged that the vaccine supply has not kept up with demand, but said Washington is at the mercy of the federal government to receive more doses. 

On Thursday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced a new partnership with Amazon and Virginia Mason to bring the COVID-19 vaccine to the public. There will be a pop-up vaccine clinic on Sunday to serve 2,000 people in phases 1A and 1B.