LAYTON, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Thousands braved cold temperatures and a little rain mixed with snow in Davis County to get the swine flu vaccine Tuesday morning.
People began lining up for the clinic held at the Davis County Convention Center in Layton at midnight. ABC4'S Ross Becker asked Lewis Garrett, the Davis County Health Director, if he was surprised with the turnout, he said "no I am not surprised at all. What I am disappointed in is that we are not able to get more vaccine than what we've been able to get so far."
There were about 2,000 vaccines available, and instead of waiting until the last minute to find out if they would be one of the lucky ones, the first 2,000 people in line got a ticket voucher for the H1N1 shot or mist. Garrett said, "we are doing everything we can under the circumstances."
Davis County Health department officials say the tickets helped minimize crowd control problems experienced in previous clinics, even though many did not get a ticket or a shot. Hundreds were turned away, and the vaccines were gone by 10:30 a.m.
Health officials say the rush for vaccines is being fueled by worry over the severity of the flu strain. Betsy James was at the back of the long line with her son. She said, "my son is six, he's in the first grade so I was just telling him that you know everybody might get sick and the children are dying from this and we have to make sure we are careful and safe." She did not get a ticket today for her son to get the shot.
A similar clinic was held in Utah County. The vaccine there was gone by midday as well.
Check the lastest ABC Vaccine Tracker on the special H1N1 page. Check for it in the orange box on the home page.
