The federal government is stepping in to help Western Washington residents receive COVID-19 vaccines, starting first in Federal Way.

A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mobile COVID-19 vaccination unit will soon be sent to several western Washington communities, Gov. Jay Inslee announced on Dec. 2.

The first mobile site location is planned to open Monday, Dec. 20 at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center, 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S. Additional locations are to be determined.

The Federal Way site is expected to operate for about 30 days. Mobile vaccination sites administer about 250 vaccinations per day, according to FEMA.

“This is great news in the ongoing fight against COVID. 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,” said Inslee. “This is an innovative model that will help increase equitable access to vaccination for all Washingtonians.”

The mobile vaccination unit is offered in partnership with the Washington State Department of Health, the King County Executive’s Office, Public Health – Seattle & King County, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Washington State Emergency Management Division, and King County Emergency Management.

“We’re grateful for President Biden’s leadership, and for the partnership of the White House in keeping everyone in King County safe this winter, including one of the first Family Vaccination Units in the nation operating right here in south King County,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine.

“The free home tests and other new tools in President Biden’s plan, paired with our vaccine verification program here in King County, will help keep families healthy during the holidays, schools open for our students, and ensure small businesses and restaurants can recover,” Constantine said.

Booster demand is strong in King County because people know vaccines are safe, effective and provide an added layer of protection in the community, said Dennis Worsham, interim director for Public Health – Seattle & King County.

The mobile vaccination unit from the federal government helps expand vaccination capacity as some are waiting for appointments and allows for the flexibility to station vaccination resources where the need is the greatest, he added.

“It’s this kind of strong partnership among local, state, and federal partners that is key to our recovery,” Worsham said.