MISSION, Kan. – Stories of health officials running short on the H1N1 vaccine are nothing new, but the Johnson County Health Department’s vaccination clinic Saturday was able to extend its hours after an early surge.
The event started at 9 a.m. and was supposed to wrap up by 2 p.m., but health department officials extended the deadline to 3 p.m. They were given 2,400 doses in flu mist and shot form. The vaccine was administered at the Northeast Offices complex, 6000 Lamar Ave., Mission, Kan.
Officials administered a nasal spray vaccine to healthy individuals who meet one of the four priority groups:
- Pregnant women
- Children six months to four years of age
- Caregivers of infants less than six months of age
- Healthcare workers with direct patient contact
While those who came in the afternoon found short lines, it was a different scene early in the morning.
It looked like the waiting line for a rock concert. Many at the front of the line were in place by 6 a.m. One family pitched a tent and camped out to get the first spot in line. The line quickly grew by the hundreds, spilling out of the parking lot of the health department.
"When I was walking up here, I thought oh my goodness. I can't believe there's that many people," said mom Michelle Ross.
Her husband Bill got her a place in line while she and her daughter waited in the car.Crystal Deaton is expecting her third child in February. She was eager to get her flu shot.
"It was very important to protect me and the baby and I have kids at home too," she said.
Once inside, the lines moved fairly quickly leaving an empty parking lot by 2 p.m.
For additional information, visit www.jocoflu.org
