OLYMPIA, WA — Washington has secured some federal help to boost access to COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters heading into 2022, Gov. Jay Inslee announced Thursday. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will deploy a mobile vaccination unit to serve several communities in Western Washington, starting in Federal Way.

“This is great news in the ongoing fight against COVID,” Inslee said. “I am grateful for our strong partnership with the federal government, and these FEMA Family Mobilization Clinics coming to King County is a great result of that partnership. This is an innovative model that will help increase equitable access to vaccination for all Washingtonians.”

The first mobile site will open at the Federal Way Performing Arts Center on Dec. 20, with future sites still to be determined. Officials said the site would operate for 30 days, to help families stay safe through the holidays and find pediatric and booster shots.

“This mobile vaccination unit from the federal government will help us expand our vaccination capacity as some are waiting for appointments and gives us flexibility to station vaccination resources where the need is greatest,” said Dennis Worsham, interim director for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “It’s this kind of strong partnership among local, state, and federal partners that is key to our recovery.”

Dr. Umair Shah, the state Secretary of Health said he hoped the unit would help those who are struggling to find timely appointments around the region, especially after booster shots became more widely available.

“We know vaccine demand is high in certain parts of our state, both for pediatric doses and for booster doses. I’m thrilled so many people are rolling up their sleeves to further protect themselves, their families, and their communities,” Shah said. “To end this pandemic, it is critical vaccines are widely available for everyone. Adding this mobile unit to our toolkit will help us speed up the vaccination process and reach families who have had a more difficult time finding appointments.”