Hundreds Line Up for H1N1 Vaccinations

By Patrick Comer

~“If they’re not in a priority group they will be politely turned away”~

Hundreds of people lined up at two Lee County high schools this morning to be some of the first to be vaccinated against the H1N1. Vaccinations were being administered at Mariner High School in Cape Coral and at South Fort Myers High School where nearly 300 people lined up before 10am.

Dora and Henry Phillips and their daughter Cynthia Clements were the first in line at South Fort Myers High School. “We got here about 5:30 this morning,” said Cynthia Clements. “We’ve seen the news reports and we said, ‘no way, we don’t want that swine flu.’ So here we are.”

Oni Montalvo and his son Alex playing catch while waiting to be vaccinated

Dozens of volunteers also came early to help, including Kim Fahringer. “I’m here mainly because they need help,” said Fahringer who is often in-and-out of the hospital due to poor health. She said she is not concerned about getting sick being around so many people getting H1N1 shots. “I’m just greeting them. I’m not kissing them,” she joked. “I’m here to let other people know that we are the ones who should be helping out.”

Volunteer Kim Fahringer listens to instructions

People getting vaccinated had to first register and then fill out a screening form to make sure they are eligible. “If they don’t fit into one of the priority categories they will be politely turned away,” said Jennifer James-Mesloh, spokesperson for the Lee County Health Department. “We don’t want people to come that are not in a priority group.” Priority groups include pregnant women, children at least 6 months old, and young adults to 24 years old.

“The response from the public was very positive,” said Judith A. Hartner M.D., Director of the Lee County Health Department. “Through this effort a lot of people in Lee County are now protected from the H1N1 virus.  This is an easy, simple, and free way to protect you and your family.”

Perry Mesloh takes his medicine

7-year-old Perry Mesloh was the first to get the nasal spray, which is an option for some. The spray is preservative-free and contains no Thimerosal. “It feels like water shot up your nose,” said Mesloh.

5-year-old Jacob Corey wasn’t so fortunate. “He has to have the shot with the active virus in it,” said Jacob’s dad Kent Corey. “Jacob had open heart surgery when he was born and he also now has T-cell Lymphopenia. Basically he doesn’t have any immunity.”

While final counts are not complete, both clinic locations saw a similar number of residents with approximately 1,562 doses given out at South Fort Myers High School and about 1,770 given out at Mariner High School. The Lee County Health Department says it has 9,000 doses available today with more shipments coming.

7-year-old Perry Mesloh gives a thumbs up after being vaccinated

5 year-old Jacob Corey bravely waits his turn