H1N1 Shots Draw Crowd in Macomb County

PLEASE NOTE: This report contains references to past H1N1 vaccination clinics. Please check with your local health department for the latest information on upcoming immunization clinics that may be scheduled for your area. There are links to several health departments on the left side of this page under the "Information on H1N1 Vaccination Clinics" section.

On Friday, October 30, thousands of people lined up all morning and afternoon long in Macomb County to get their hands on the H1N1 vaccination. Most of the people we spoke with say it's for their children, but they want to be healthy, too.

First it was the nasal spray in Macomb County. Friday was the start of the injectable version of the H1N1 flu vaccine.

By 2:00 p.m., close to 1,800 shots were given out and that's not including the line outside -- a long one at that. A steady drizzle outside didn't stop a steady stream from coming out. It didn't matter how long the wait.

"Just... to protect our kids from getting sick because I don't want it in my house. So, we're just out here to protect them," said mother Christine Pierce.

On the inside, syringes being emptied out as fast as they were given out.

How many vaccinations do they have? Michael Parent with the Macomb County Health Department said, "We were looking toward 3,000 or a little better today, and we certainly can meet that for people who are worried."

As of Wednesday, the state ordered or received more than 650,000 doses. People at Freedom Hill County Park were not taking any chances to get their hands on their share.

"It's either that or... could end up in the hospital, and I would rather stand in this line than end up in the hospital with my children," said mother Kelli Kramer.

They will be opening up again on the morning of Saturday, October 31 at Freedom Hill expecting even more people to come get the H1N1 vaccination.