Posted on Sat, Nov. 7, 2009
They started lining up at 8:30 a.m. for free H1N1 vaccinations at a Westampton clinic that wasn't supposed to open until 2 p.m.
Hundreds of pregnant women, infant caregivers, and parents pushing strollers with bundled-up toddlers waited hours in a line that snaked along roads and through parking lots outside the Burlington County Health Department.
With the death of a local high school student last month and news of increasing numbers of H1N1 cases fresh in their minds, they all sought the vaccine that's been in limited supply across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
In the end, 700 were vaccinated, and about 500 received tickets to come back Friday or to a later clinic, county officials said.
"I was prepared to wait, but not outside like this," said Lori Rapuano of Moorestown, eyeing 4-year-old Erin and holding onto a stroller with 2-year-old Justin. Her 6-year-old son, Brian, will get the vaccine at his school.
Yesterday's clinic, the fourth during the past several weeks, targeted only pregnant women, children 6 months to 5 years old, and caregivers of children 6 months old or younger. For the children, the shot was the first of two. The second will be given Dec. 4.
"I'm nervous I won't be able to get it," said Michele Benson, 34, of Delran, who is pregnant with twins. "I took off a half a day to be here."
Loretta O'Donnell, a Burlington County spokeswoman, said H1N1 clinics held for pregnant women and first-responders in October went smoothly. About 300 pregnant women were served.
"We expected a lot of people, but we have residents of other counties here," said Burlington County Public Health Coordinator Robert Gogats. "We won't turn them away, but it's difficult when people come in from different parts of the state."
As parents and children flowed through the doors of the Health Department building, Gogats asked one woman where she was from.
"Lawrenceville," she said, which is in Mercer County.
Because of the early arrivals, health officials started giving vaccinations about noon, Gogats said.
"It's the better-safe-than-sorry mentality; that's why I'm here," said Steve Crosson, 36, of Marlton, as he pushed a stroller with his two children, 3-year-old Caden and 11-month-old Maura. "I don't know if this is worth it. I'm doing it for them. If it saves their lives."
Deep in the line, Corinne Flake, 23, of Marlton, was waiting with her children, Natalee, 22 months, and Jacey, 3.
"My pediatrician has a humongous waiting list," she said. "I figured this would be easier."
"I hope they make an announcement to let us know if they have enough vaccine for all of us," Flake said. "This is scary."
By 3:30, officials had started handing out pink vouchers, so those after the cutoff would have priority in future clinics.
Gogats said yesterday was the largest turnout for a clinic he had seen. He said he "anticipated a big problem," especially after Andres Mendez, a sophomore at Rancocas Valley Regional High School, died suddenly from the flu Oct. 24.
The number of H1N1 deaths in New Jersey has risen to 20; in Pennsylvania, at least 22 people have died from the virus.
"I think that residents realized that this is something to be concerned about," Gogats said.
Next week, he said Burlington County may open clinics at several locations to smooth out the process.
Paolo Trinchieri, 35, of Moorestown, said it was "just a hunch" that he should show up at 12:15 p.m.
"It actually looked a lot worse pulling in. I saw lawn chairs, and that's never a good sign," he said.
Just after 4, his 3-year-old daughter, Isabella, received a shot.
One of those who was left holding a pink ticket was 40-year-old Gary Ell, whose 2-year-old daughter, Sarah will have to come back despite arriving just after 1 p.m.
"These poor babies were out in the cold, crying," he said. "It was an awful situation."
Vishal Sherma's family failed to get vaccinated twice. His wife, pregnant with their second child, showed up around 1:30 p.m. but had to leave to go back to work.
Then he arrived just before 4 p.m. with their 4-year-old son, Risshabh, only to realize after standing at the end of the line that the tickets were long gone.
He'll have to wait at least another week to ensure his wife and son are safe.
"Just hope nothing will happen," he said. "That's the only thing we can do."
Contact staff writer Edward Colimore at 856-779-3833 or ecolimore@phillynews.com.
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