Dozens of people lined up for free swine flu shots this morning at Lake Wales Medical Center, but it wasn't a normal scene at the hospital.
The medical center, at 410 S. 11th St., set up a drive-through for the vaccinations.
The drive-through was open from 7 to 9 a.m., and hospital officials said they gave out 131 free inoculations.
They weren't providing the shots to everyone, though. Recipients had to meet criteria developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months old and people age 25 to 64 years old were eligible. Those younger than 25 and older than 65 were not.
"There have been some shortages of the vaccines in some areas," said Maryemma Bachelder, the medical center's marketing director. "So we're really trying to focus on the people who need it the most."
Some of Lake Wales' finest waited in line for the free H1N1 shots, including officers Mary Jerome and Emanuel Figueroa.
"One, it's good to do only because of a history with asthmatic people, which I do have." Jerome said. "And I've been advised by my doctor I should have it."
Hospital officials said the vaccination drive-through will resume Friday, from 7 to 9 a.m. or until the antiserum runs out.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement
Advertisement