People endure long lines for free flu shot

Posted at: 10/31/2009 5:58 PM | Updated at: 10/31/2009 6:17 PM
By: Kayla Anderson, Eyewitness News 4; Matthew Kappus, KOB.com

People wait in line at UNMH Saturday morning

Hundreds of people waited in line Saturday at UNM Hospital for a chance to get the flu vaccine.

UNM staffers handed out tickets to those waiting in the line. It was first come, first served for those who stood in a queue that wrapped around the building.

Despite waiting two to three hours, Mark Brooks said it was worth the wait to get the flu shot.

"I waited until the last minute to do this. But I needed to get it done," he said.

For people like Serena Salazar, getting the vaccine was a way to protect herself and the children she is around.

"We don't want to get the little ones sick. So it's better for us to get the vaccination before they get sick," she said.

The hospital had planned to hold walk-in and drive-through clinics into mid-November. But after a bigger-than-expected turnout, it was clear that supply couldn't meet demand and the other clinics have been canceled.

Patients say even though this flu shot is for the seasonal flu and not the H1N1 strain, they still want to be protected.

Brooks is making sure to maintain healthy habits at work and home.

"We pretty much always wipe our hands down and do the 20 second rule, washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds," he said.

Presbyterian will hold a flu shot clinic of their own Tuesday. It is at the Palo Duro Senior Center (directions) from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.

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