Thousands Line Up for H1N1 Flu Vaccine

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Thousands lined up on US Grant High School and Southeast High School Saturday hoping to be one of the lucky people to receive a free H1N1 vaccine.

Grant High School freshman Michaela Bailey said she was first in line at 5 a.m. for Saturday's H1N1 flu clinic at Grant High School.

"My brother had been a victim of it for awhile. He was at a rehab for a bit because of it for awhile," Bailey said.

Worried parents have long anticipated the free vaccine at Saturday's clinics. Mom-to-be Shantelle Ortiz said she isn't taking any chances with her family of four.

"I had H1N1 and for about two and a half weeks I was sick, very sick, and I just don't want them to get it," Ortiz said.

Many like the Ortiz family woke up before sunrise to get their free H1N1 flu shot, and clinic organizers said they were ready for the rush.

"We anticipated a total of about 4,000 both here at US Grant as well as over at Southeast today," said H.R. Holman, Oklahoma City-County Health Department.

Not everyone seemed to be a huge fan of getting the shot, but after it was all said and done, moms like Ortiz said her childrens' well being and staying free of the flu is worth the wait.

"I think it's worth it and they need it," Ortiz said.