Marquette County opens vaccination to everyone.
MARQUETTE -- In and out in under twenty minutes. That was the story for people who got their H1N1 vaccination Wednesday at the Superior Dome in Marquette.
The clinic, which opened at noon, had twelve shot stations, five insurance stations, and several other volunteers with the Marquette County Health Department, helping to get people in and out in a hurry.
"We took appointments, which eliminated long lines that you've seen throughout the rest of the country," said Health Department Director, Fred Benzie. "We have an abundant supply of the H1N1 vaccine and we are vaccinating anyone and everyone who wants this vaccine."
Unlike other clinics this fall and early winter, Wednesday's was open to everyone, not just priority populations of kids, pregnant women, health care workers and adults with chronic illness.
Older adults took advantage of the open invitation, making up a majority of the people at today's clinic. Still, a few young people also signed up.
"I already had the swine flu once," said 15-year-old, Mariah Rosado. "I got sick and it was awful. I was in bed for a week, and I missed a ton of school. I really can't afford for that to happen again. My mom wanted to get it and make sure I stay healthy."
Officials with the Marquette County Health Department say they have enough vaccine to vaccinate the rest of the people in Marquette County who wish to get the shot or nasal spray.
Before today they'd vaccinated 9,000 people; they vaccinated around 2,000 people at the Dome. And they plan to hold another clinic at St. Joseph's church in Ishpeming next Tuesday from 2 to 6 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling the H1N1 Hotline at (906) 475-1175.