DELAWARE, Ohio -- Hundreds waited for more than an hour to get their H1N1 vaccine Monday afternoon and evening in Delaware.
The vaccination clinic was held at Buckeye Valley High School beginning at 3 p.m.
At about 5 p.m., Delaware County Health officials ran out of needles needed for the vaccinations for children under the age of 3. Parents were told that their children could get the vaccine mist instead, or wait for another clinic to be available.
According to Delaware County Health officials, the needle shortage was due to two factors: the supply from the Ohio Department of Health and the evening's high demand.
"People have to be patient with us," said a Delaware County spokesperson. "We're doing the best we can with what we've been given."
Delaware County Health officials admitted they did not expect the traffic to be backed up like it was Monday. It was estimated that traffic was backed up for 2 miles.
Melissa Perry and her family were the last people in line at one point. She said she would wait for any length of time for her children.
"For my two, the complications for H1N1 are pretty severe. I have a 4-year-old who has asthma, so complications outweigh any inconvenience at this point," Perry said.
Delaware County paramedic Curtis Hill recently received his vaccine.
"I personally had a reaction 36 to 48 hours out -- some aches and pain, no fever, horrible headache," Hill said. "It's going to be different for everybody. It just depends on each person's immune system. Obviously, with this one, the H1N1, it's going to be more severe because there aren't many people that have any type of immunity to it whatsoever."
The Centers for Disease Control and Food and Drug Administration is closely monitoring for any signs that the vaccine is causing unexpected adverse reactions. The agencies will work with state and local health officials to investigate any unusual events.
For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail stories@nbc4i.com.
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement