People line up around the block in Elkhart for free H1N1 vaccinations

By Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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People line up around the block in Elkhart for free H1N1 vaccinations

People were lining up around the block in Elkhart to recieve free H1N1 vaccinations on Monday. (WSBT photo)

By Jason Overholt

Story Created: Oct 20, 2009 at 9:51 AM EST

Story Updated: Oct 20, 2009 at 6:00 PM EST

ELKHART ― Hundreds lined up in Elkhart Tuesday morning in hopes of getting their H1N1 flu vaccinations for free. The limited supply combined with the large crowds meant health officials ran out quickly.

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“I knew it was going to be busy. I knew there was going to be a line," said Bristol resident Tiffany Eggeman.

It was standing room only inside the Elkhart County Health Department on Tuesday. People lined up for a limited supply of the vaccines. Health officials had 400 H1N1 injections and 100 nasal mist vaccines.

“Well, everybody is really concerned about this, so I figured it was worth the wait, and I brought my daughter and grandson out,” said Elkhart resident Cheryl Herrli. “Everybody is here just because everybody is scared and cautious."

Department staffers here say that even though the doors don't open for the vaccine until 8 a.m., long lines started forming about by about 6, and by 7:30 there were several hundred people standing outside.

“The line was already out to the corner and it was dark,” said Bryan Homes, who was there to get his daughter vaccinated. “I was anticipating quite a few people being here. I was a little shocked that there were as many people already in line

Eggeman was standing in line, with her children for their shots.

You have to take precautions,” she said. “You know it might not be necessary, but I'm not going to take that chance with my children. My oldest son has asthma and I just make sure he's protected.”

The lines continued through the morning. By 11:20 am, the available vaccine was gone.

The Elkhart County Health Department says it is waiting for another shipment of the vaccine. There is no word when those may arrive.

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