Reported By: Rob Hughes (rhughes@kswt.com)
Yuma, AZ October 28- Hundreds came out to the Swine Flu vaccination clinic at Yuma's Southgate Mall Wednesday. Officials say the community has been very cooperative in making the clinics a success.
Wednesday's clinic wraps up the October Swine Flu vaccination clinics in Yuma. Due to a limited supply of vaccines, only "Tier One" people are being vaccinated.
Health officials say they appreciate the public's patience as they try to keep the virus under control.
"I'm getting the flu shot, with the whole family," said Shannon Rouff. Rouff is a local mother who takes her family to get the seasonal flu shot every year; and this is her 1st time getting the Swine Flu vaccine.
"I'm a teacher, and I don't want to spread any germs to my children at home," said Rouff.
Rouff along with hundreds of "Tier One" people came out to the Southgate Mall in Yuma Wednesday to get their Swine Flu vaccine.
"The Tier 1 group is pregnant women, children 6 months to 4 years of age, household contacts and caregivers for children under 6 months of age, and healthcare workers with direct patient contact, and all children 5-18 with an underlying medical condition," said Leigh Ann Howell, Nursing Supervisor with the Yuma County Public Health Services District. Howell says local clinics are open to Yuma residents only.
"All of the vaccine within the nation and the state was divvied out by population, so the amount of vaccine Yuma County will get is based on our population numbers; so we will only have enough vaccine to cover residents of Yuma County," said Howell.
Howell says Wednesday's clinic is similar to the last clinic held in Yuma.
"The only difference is we have a little more vaccine; it's the same Tier group, it's the same process, it's going a little faster this time, but nothing has changed," said Howell.
Meanwhile, Shannon speaks for many regarding her thoughts about Swine Flu, and the health of her family and loved ones.
"I don't know, I don't want to think about it too much, hopefully we'll all be o.k," said Rouff.
Health officials are expecting more vaccinations to arrive in the next few weeks, at which time more priority groups can be served.
