WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Thousands Turn Out for Swine Flu Clinic

Thousands Turn Out for Swine Flu Clinic

Colchester, Vermont - November 7, 2009

Thousands showed up for the state's third swine flu clinic today in Colchester. Meanwhile, officials are trying to clear up a misperception about the nasal spray vaccine being offered.

Chelsea Cordner of Colchester was the first in line at the clinic. She arrived at 4 a.m., 5 hours before the doors opened.

"I'm 23, I have chronic asthma and I also work at the hospital, all three put me at risk for getting severely hit by this and also I don't want to transmit it to any patients," she said.

About half an hour before the doors opened, more than 1,000 people were in line, which stretched nearly half a mile.

"Could be shorter, was expecting a crowd, but not this much of a crowd. Starting to question whether or not it is going to happen," said Joseph Savery of Milton.

"It's quite a line. We aren't giving up. It would be nice if you knew if you had a shot of getting in there or not," said John LeClair of Underhill.

While many seemed calm and patient, others were becoming agitated.

"I got here around 6:30 and have been standing here in line. I am very cold and it seems like a lot of people are coming now, it's a little after 8 and coming into line in front of us and I'm a little annoyed," said Lynn Warren of South Burlington.

The Visiting Nurses Association of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties had more than 2,000 vaccinations available. More than half of them were the nasal mist.

 "As far as the studies go, it is as effective as an injection," said Pat Donehower of the Visiting Nurses Association.

At a clinic on Thursday in Manchester, the Vermont Health Department says several people refused the nasal spray and 60 doses went unused. Health officials speculated people might be concerned because the nasal vaccine is made with a live virus. For healthy people between ages 2 and 49 the nasal spray is safe and effective. The nasal spray is not for people with chronic medical conditions.

"The nasal mist is a really a simple way of getting the vaccination. You don't have to get your arm out, you don't have to find the right muscle, you don't have to frighten someone who might be afraid of an injection," said Donehower.

Dawson Thompson of Williston received the nasal spray.

"The shot is not my favorite because I really hate needles and everyone else hates needles, and the nasal is the best," he said.

The VNA says they vaccinated a little more than 1,300 people today and had several hundred doses leftover.

The next swine flu clinic is scheduled for Monday Gilman. It runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Gilman Senior Center.

Matt Henson - WCAX News