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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Swine flu vaccine swiped in Olympia

Someone steals 20 doses from hospice facility

Associated Press

OLYMPIA – Authorities are trying to determine who swiped two vials of the H1N1 vaccine from a hospice facility, taking about 20 doses of the swine flu vaccine.

The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office was investigating the case on Tuesday.

An employee at Providence Sound Home Car and Hospice discovered the two stolen vials and a compromised third vial.

They were believed to be stolen late last week.

There were 10 doses of the vaccine in each vial, at a value of about $3,000.

The vaccine was intended for health care workers and was kept in an unlocked refrigerator.

Thurston County Sheriff’s spokesman Lt. Chris Mealy said investigators don’t know if whoever stole it tried to sell it or vaccinate themselves or their friends.

He told KING-TV, “I don’t have any idea why anybody would steal it.”