13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Long lines for H1N1 vaccine

Long lines for H1N1 vaccine

Kris Kirschner/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis - Thousands more Hoosiers are now vaccinated for the H1N1 flu virus.
    
At Warren Central High School Saturday, concerned families waited patiently in line outside for a shot at the vaccine.

"Any flu is serious and it makes sense to get innoculated and not spread it around," said Ken Blansette.

It is the third H1N1 vaccination clinic in Marion County this week.
    
While the lines don't seem to show it, health officials feel they are making headway in their fight.

"We feel very good that by the end of this clinic, we will have vaccinated 15,000 people in that high risk category," said John Althardt of the Marion County Health Department.

The Centers for Disease Control announced this week they've doubled the amount of the vaccine from just two weeks ago.
    
But a study still shows only half the people who want it are getting innoculated.
    
So when the Marion county health dept offered free shots this week--the lines at Lafayette Square Mall were astounding.
    
And they continued at Warren Central high school Saturday.

The first people in line arrived five hours before the clinic's scheduled start.  By the time the doors opened, officials estimated about 1,000 people were in line waiting for their H1N1 vaccine.

Scott and Kaz Whiteman were among the first in line and said it was worth the wait.

"We thought it was important to get here early so we would get it quick enough and get it period," said Scott Whiteman.

The clinic, which made vaccines available to those considered 'high-risk,' is the last one sponsored by Marion County this week.  More than 2,200 people were vaccinated Saturday.

Their next step is to get to schools, hoping to get to everyone who wants one before supplies run out. H1N1 clinics start Monday for Indianapolis Public Schools, Pike, Perry, Washington, Wayne and Warren Townships.  They will run daily through the first week of December.