BENTON HARBOR — On the same day President Barack Obama declared the H1N1 flu outbreak a national emergency, people stood in long lines for H1N1 flu vaccinations at Lake Michigan College.

The White House on Saturday said Obama signed a proclamation that would allow medical officials to bypass certain federal requirements. Officials described the move as similar to a declaration ahead of a hurricane making landfall.

H1N1 is more widespread now than it's ever been and has resulted in more than 1,000 U.S. deaths so far.

Health authorities say almost 100 children have died from the flu and 46 states now have widespread flu activity.

The lines in Berrien County started forming around 6 a.m. Saturday, even though the clinic didn't start until 10.

"I left at 5:45 from my house I got here at 6 a.m., and it's important to protect my child," said Nanine Cvengros of Stevensville.

"We have three kids getting the swine flu shot today, mainly because it's a big scare," said parent Raynelle Althoff.

The long wait allowed time for the reality of the situation to set in. Melissa Chase feared the vaccine would be gone by the time she got to the front of the line.

"Then I don't know what I'll do, because we have to have them for the health care... just wait and see I guess," she said.

Behind the scenes, nurses prepared for the onslaught. Both shots and nasal mist were available, but it was only given to certain high risk groups.

The Berrien County Health Department says more than 1,500 doses of the vaccine were given Saturday. Health officials say for many in Berrien County who've already had H1N1, this opportunity came too late.

"It certainly is widespread. Southwest Michigan is seeing the most activity of the entire state. We are leading the way for Michigan," said Nicki Britten, Berrien County Epidemiologist.

The Health Department hopes to hold five more clinics in the next two weeks.

The next free vaccination clinic is set for Tuesday at New Buffalo High school from 3 to 7 p.m.

Berrien County saw several school closures this past week due to high absenteeism from the flu. The St. Joseph public schools that were closed this week hope to re-open Monday.

Throughout Michigan, the deadline for the MEAP test has been extended to accommodate schools hit hard by the flu.

The Associated Press contributed to this report