H1N1 clinic gives almost 2,000 flu shots

Thursday was the last chance in November for Yuma County residents to get an H1N1 vaccination, and almost 2,000 people came out to get a shot of the free vaccine.

Becky Brooks, director of the Yuma County Public Health Services District, said 1,923 people received vaccinations Thursday for the H1N1 virus.

"It was pretty steady," Brooks said about the flow of people at the clinic. "The lines weren't long at all."

There was a short lull around lunchtime, Brooks said.

Brooks said people who came out to receive the vaccine were a mix of children, adults, health care workers and others who were eligible to receive a vaccination.

That total includes people from Tiers 1 and 2, including all children. The district recently expanded the free vaccination clinics to include adults with medical conditions that put them at a higher risk for influenza-related complications, such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.

The clinic included both the flu shot and the flu mist.

The clinic Thursday was the last for November, but Brooks said, depending on availability of the vaccine from the state, the district plans to hold additional clinics in December.

She said there are no current plans to expand the clinics to Tier 3, and that too depends on availability of the vaccine.

Brooks said the public participation and cooperation has been great.

"It's made a world of difference. So kudos to them."

Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.