MASON CITY, IA - The response to Cerro Gordo County Public Health's first H1N1 flu vaccine clinic was slower than expected. Public Health spokesperson Michele Appelgate said when the clinic closed at 4:00 Friday afternoon, they only handed out about half of the 400 doses available.
A good portion of those went out within the first half hour Friday morning. A few dozen parents and caretakers of children younger than six months old braved the cold rain to get vaccinated.
"I came at 7:00, I was here by myself for at least a half hour," said grandma Cindy Mostrom.
Clear Lake dad Nick Henningsen noted, "8:30, I'm usually working at Principal Financial Group, so I'll go back to work after this."
Emily Horrell was one of hundreds of parents getting the FluMist vaccine. She even brought along her son Drew, just to make sure she wouldn't be turned away.
Horrell explained, "I was kind of concerned they weren't going to have enough, or have run out already."
With a couple sniffs, Emily and her son were protected. But nurses had to turn away Mostrom. She's just over the age limit for the nasal spray version of the vaccine.
"I have to abide by whatever they say, but I also have to be cautious being around him," she told KIMT News 3. "I don't want him to get anything which could be... I hate to say, fatal."
The process only took a couple of minutes. Caregivers filled out a short form, made their way through the line to one of the booths, and moments later the whole thing was over. It's quick and painless, but some parents they had reservations about the safety of the vaccine.
"Heard many stories. You gotta figure out which ones are rumors and which ones are actual facts," Henningsen said.
Henningsen followed the advice of his health care providers. He decided the safety of his daughter is more important than potential side effects.
He added, "things you do for a four month old."
As for Mostrom - she promises to try again as soon as the shot version of the vaccine is available.
Public health workers are planning to schedule more clinics as additional vaccine becomes available. After Friday's lackluster response, they're re-evaluating the best way to reach their target groups.
