H1N1 Vaccines Run Out at Oklahoma City Community College

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department ran out of H1N1 vaccines during the first H1N1 immunization clinic for Oklahoma Countya Thursday.

Wednesday, October 14th 2009, 4:56 pm

By: News 9


NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma City-County Health Department ran out of H1N1 vaccines during the first H1N1 immunization clinic for Oklahoma Countya Thursday.The clinic gave out around 3,500 vaccines Thursday.

The line of anxious Oklahomans snaked around the OCCC campus, eager to roll up their sleeves for the H1N1 vaccine.

Evan Cordon, 4, already inoculated for the seasonal flu, was among the many children waiting his turn.

"I was thinking about this and his grandmother called and said it'd be a good idea to bring him up here, so we decided to bring him," Evan's father, Richie Cordon, said.

Hundreds waited outside patiently as dozens more made it in to be the first in line to get the dose. This clinic comes after eight children have died in Oklahoma from the H1N1 Flu. Doubt and suspicion over the potential health risks surrounding the shot was quickly replaced by fear of what could happen if children went without the vaccine.

"Prayers go out to all the parents who have to deal with that and I'm just trying to prevent myself from being in the same shoes," parent Joe Cazares said.

Health workers gave priority to children between the ages of 4 and 18-years-old and pregnant women. Kerry Stanfield, seven months pregnant, and her 8-year-old son Drake got the shot despite concerns over the relatively new vaccine.

"I was a little apprehensive because it is a new vaccine, but I think the benefits outweigh the risk," Kerry Stanfield said.

But others who didn't meet the criteria of pregnancy or childhood were also given a dosage.

"We're not turning anyone away, if they come and say they want a shot, we will give them a shot," said H.R. Holman with the Oklahoma City-County Health Department. "But, we're really targeting pregnant women and school aged children."

The health department wouldn't say how many vaccines it received, although it's believed workers administered about 4,000 vaccinations. There is no word yet on when a new shipment is expected.

Health Department officials say they have no control over how many vaccines they get, that's up for the Centers for Disease Control to decide.

For information on the immunization clinics please call 419-4144 or go the OCCHD Web site.

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