Long lines as UT students got H1N1 flu vaccine

Long lines as UT students got H1N1 flu vaccine

By JOSH AULT
6 News Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- Tuesday was the first time University of Tennessee students, faculty and their families could receive the H1N1 vaccine and the turnout was huge.

The line from UT's Recreation Center went out the building and onto the soccer field.

"A little over an hour," said UT faculty member Wes Hines, who was waiting in line outside. "Maybe I'm half way there. That would be good."

The reasons why students lined up varied.

"I'm getting the H1N1 virus vaccine today because my mom's really worried about it being here with all these students," Cristina Davis said.

"My dad's a doctor. My mom's a nurse. They are really on me about this," Holly McMahon said.

If you didn't get in line early, you were out of luck.

Students started lining up at 8:00 a.m. The clinic ran out of doses, but were able to get more from the health department.

"The health department came through and helped us with 640 doses, so the max we can give out is 1,240," said UT Health Service AdministratorJim Doyle.

He said he ordered 10,000 doses, but only received 600.

His goal is to provide the vaccine to anyone on campus who wants it.

"I was worried how long it was going to take and if there is going to be enough for everyone," Cristina Davis said.

"I was just thinking I might miss my biology class, but it's a risk I have to take," McMahon said.

UT nursing students administered the vaccine, which was available as a nasal mist or a shot. They had planned to continue giving vaccines out until 1:00, but had to stop people from lining up around 11:30.

University officials don't know when they'll offer the vaccine again. They have to wait for another delivery.

Those who are ill and have a fever aren't allowed to receive the vaccine. The university also can't administer it to family members under age 14.