Sac County H1N1 Clinic Hits Capacity

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - KCRA.com

More than 1,100 people lined up Monday to take advantage of Sacramento County's first free H1N1 vaccine clinic aimed at those who are most at risk from the flu virus.

By 4:30 p.m, the clinic was at capacity, and county health officials urged people to attend

future clinics

.

Vaccines are being administered at Hiram Johnson High School. The line snaked through a parking lot and onto the athletic track, and vouchers were given out to those in line to prevent people from cutting.

Those who want a vaccination must remain in line.

Dr. Glennah Trochet, the county's health officer, expects volunteers will be able to administer about 500 vaccines per hour.

The following groups will be given priority for the vaccine:

• age 6 months to 24 years old
• health care workers
• pregnant women
• those who take care of infants
• adults with medical conditions such as diabetes or respiratory ailments

Some seniors have been turned away from the clinic, but others have been given tickets.

Kerry Shearer with the Sacramento County Heath Department said the "honor system" is being used to prioritize clients.

"We trust people, it's going to be on the honor system," Shearer said.

Officials said they have received reports of H1N1 outbreaks locally, with some schools experiencing an absentee rate of up to 40 percent.

Those who are not in at-risk groups are being asked to wait to get the vaccine at future clinics.

"You will be able to get it at a later date," Trochet said.

Clinics are also planned from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Rio Linda High School, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Loaves and Fishes, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at Casa Roble High School and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at Samuel Pannell Community Center.

Officials said many hospitals and doctors now have a supply of the H1N1 vaccine. Other patients are being asked to contact doctors directly to determine availability.

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