1800 kids vaccinated at open clinic

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Tippecanoe County residents waited patiently for the health department to hold its first open clinic for H1N1 vaccinations. That day finally came today and 1800 kids were vaccinated.

The health department did face some flack for holding the clinic during school hours. Parents like Jeremy Rivitt said getting the shot will protect his kids from the H1N1 flu.

"If this is going to be an excused absence, let them get the flu shot. That way they are well and they don't miss school. If children catch H1N1 you don't know how long you are going to be out of school", said Rivitt.

Some waited for more than an hour in a line that wrapped around the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds. Lisa Morrow said a lot of parents feel the same way she does.

"The vaccine hasn't been readily available, and I think that made it tough. I think parents are just concerned about their kids, that's probably why the line was so long", said Morrow.

Tippecanoe County Health officer Dr. Micheal Bohlin said previously H1N1 vaccinations had to come through primary care physicians until this open clinic. He said when enough vaccines finally came into the county, the department wanted to hand them out as soon as possible. Even if it meant holding the clinic during school hours.

"We needed a large enough venue. We were familiar with the place and this is when it was available. Saturdays out here can be difficult to come by because of other events" said Bohlin.

Dr. Bohlin said the health department will continue to deliver vaccines to primary care physicians.

Tippecanoe County's next open clinic for H1N1 vaccines will be this coming Tuesday from 3:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds. This clinic will be for pregnant women and adults with chronic illness ages 19 to 64.