H1N1 clinic draws large crowds

Hundreds of people turned out Saturday for the latest H1N1 vaccination clinic, this one at Omaha South High School.

Bundled in sweaters and hats, they stood in line outside the clinic's entrance near 23rd and K Streets. Some had waits of about two hours for the clinic, which started at 9 a.m.

The large crowds prompted Douglas County health officials to shut down the lines shortly before 1 p.m.

Vaccines had not run out, but health care workers had to close the clinic by the scheduled time, 2 p.m., so that they could vacate the premises by 3 p.m.

An agreement with school officials, private security, police and the Visiting Nurse Association required that the clinic shut down, said Phil Rooney, a Douglas County Health Department spokesman.

Rooney said the decision is made about an hour ahead of the scheduled closing to let people know the likelihood of being served.

Lisa Brattain made the trip from west Omaha to get her vaccine and a second dosage for her daughter Casey.

“It felt funny,” Casey, 7, said of the flu mist.

Candidates for the free vaccine were high-risk groups: pregnant women, healthcare workers, those age 6 months through 24 years and those age 25 through 64 with chronic health conditions.

« Metro/Region

Share