From Delano to Bakersfield, long lines were the story Wednesday as the Kern County Department of Health vaccinated thousands of people against the H1N1 Flu.
It's the largest supply of the H1N1 vaccine delivered to Kern County, and on Wednesday health officials begin a series of long awaited swine flu clinics.
The first was in Delano, where hundreds braved long lines to receive the first of 7,000 vaccines sent to Kern County.
''Since there is a shortage we want to try the first spot and then move on," said Carol Harmer, who arrived in Delano before 7 a.m.
"We want to stay healthy and the Swine Flu is going to hit hard soon,'' she said. ''We want to make sure we're covered."
More than 700 people received the shot form of the H1N1 vaccine in Delano.
Mary Diaz has been turned away at other past flu clinics, and has been waiting for a vaccine.
"I was very worried,'' she said. ''I told my husband we should get going." She has health conditions that put her at greater risk.
"I'm a cancer survivor and my immunity is very low,'' she said. ''I feel that I need to get all the flu vaccines that I can."
Later in the afternoon, people formed lines outside the County Health Department waiting for an evening flu clinic.
Officials vaccinated about 1,300 people, many of whom waited four hours in line.
"I'm high risk, I have asthma." said Sharon DuVal. "Who wants to be sick? It's risky for you and your loved ones. Why not prevent it?'
Health officials hope that sentiment will catch on.
In this round of vaccinations – called Wave 2 – the medicine will be given only to people in certain groups.
• Persons 6 months to 24 years;
• Pregnant women;
• Caregivers of children 6 months of age and younger;
• Persons with underlying health conditions 24 years to 64 years; and
• Healthcare Workers and Emergency Personnel with direct patient contact
Clinics are:
• Thursday, October 29, 2009 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Stockdale High School.
• Thursday, October 29, 2009 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Southwest Regional Center in Taft.
• Saturday, October 31, 2009 from 9 a.m. to noon at South High School.
• Tuesday, November 3, 2009 from 4 to 7 p.m. at North High School.
• Wednesday, November 4, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kerr McGee Center in
Ridgecrest.
• Friday, November 6, 2009 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Pine Mountain Club.
All H1N1 clinics, including those at high schools, are for only those residents who fall into one of the five priority groups.
As more doses become available, there will not be a need for these restrictions. Residents are encouraged to contact their primary medical provider for availability of H1N1 vaccine.
Emergency personnel and health care workers with direct patient contact will receive the H1N1 vaccine primarily through their own medical providers.
The county’s Swine Flu Hotline is 1-877-81VIRUS. Information is available at Public Health's web site, www.co.kern.ca.us/health
Public Health’s constant reminder is: The best ways to best protect your family and yourself is to follow the three "C's" of disease prevention:
• Cover your cough
• Clean your hands
• Confine sick people at home
