Tulsa Families Lined Up Thursday To Get H1N1 Vaccine

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- Hundreds of Tulsa County fathers and mothers lined up to arm themselves against the H1N1 virus. 

The Tulsa City-County Health Department held its first walk-in clinic Thursday at Tulsa Community College's northeast campus. 

A line stretching so long, it almost stopped people in their tracks. 

"Yeah we know we came in the parking lot and considered turning around and going home but it's worth waiting a little while," said Vivian Venable.

"After seeing the news last night yes I did expect this line. I didn't expect it to be quite this long," said Jeff Nixon.   

"Oh yeah, It's really long, I was kind of depressed. I'm glad it's not raining," said Heather Taylor. 

They braved the drizzle, pushing strollers and wrangling kids, all in hopes of protecting the most vulnerable from the H1N1 strain of the flu. 

"I have a four month old and it's kinda worth it for me to wait in line, no matter how long it takes, just to be safe," said Heather Taylor.   

Inside, a throng of people waited their turn.  Thousands of vaccines were on hand with 16 nurses and paramedics working as they could to make it through the lines.  Some little, tough guys took it without a flinch, while others erupted in tears. 

"It appears today we're in the business of making kids cry, but it is the best way to protect yourself from the flu," said health department spokesperson Melanie Christian. 

Some parents didn't need convincing about getting the vaccine for their children. 

"He has asthma. He's at risk. So we didn't want him to get the real effects of H1N1. So preventative maintenance," said Jeff Nixon.    

"Just to be safe, and if they're going to provide the shots we're gonna come and get them," Susan Bynum said.   

The Tulsa City-County Health Department distributed about 2,000 vaccines at Thursday's clinic. The average wait was about two hours.  

Tulsa Health officials say they plan to do more walk in clinics in the future.

10/28/2009 Related story: Tulsa Fire Paramedics To Administer H1N1 Vaccinations Starting Thursday