COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Thousands of Central Ohioans remain hopeful to receive the vaccine for the H1N1 virus.
Days after the first public vaccination clinics were held in Central Ohio, parents are upset and demanding to know why their children aren't allowed to get the vaccine despite being in a high-risk category.
A local mother said her son needs the vaccine because of a health condition, but isn't able to get it.
"Here in Franklin County, so far it's been healthcare workers and pregnant women, which are really important groups, but kids are equally important," said Bonnie Panajiotou, a concerned mother. "I'm very concerned that my son could contract H1N1 and he has an underlying condition. He has asthma. He's very prone to chronic respiratory infections and he needs to be vaccinated as soon as possible."
NBC 4's Matt Alvarez approached Jose Rodriguez with Columbus Public Health about the mother's concern.
"When can she expect that to happen?" Alvarez asked.
"It's our goal to move as much vaccine right into people's arms as fast as we can. There's 15,000 pregnant women in Central Ohio. They are the highest risk," Rodriguez said.
Health officials said that as soon as more shipments of the vaccine arrive, they will be able to administer them to children. But the exact timing is not determined.
Delaware County is preparing for its first public H1N1 clinic.
The clinic is set for Monday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Buckeye Valley High School.
The clinic is for high-risk groups like pregnant women, children 6 months to 18 years old, those caring for children younger than 6 months old and healthcare providers.
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