Officials forced to close lines at Toronto H1N1 clinics

High demand has forced Toronto health officials to close the lines at both of the city's H1N1 vaccination clinics that opened Thursday.

The clinics for people in high risk groups at North York Civic Centre and East York Civic Centre are now closed to newcomers, but those already in line will get vaccinated.

The initial clinics were intended only for people in high risk groups, which include pregnant women, children aged 6 months to 5 years, people under 65 with chronic conditions, people who live with infants under 6 months old and immunocompromised people, and healthcare workers.

New mother Yan Cheng, who brought her six-and-a-half-month-old daughter to be immunized, was one of those was one of those turned away at North York Civic Centre.

“I feel really disappointed,” she said. “Why don’t they open more locations for people? It’s horrible.”

The line-up of people snaked its way in front of Mel Lastman Square, nearly spilling onto the street.

Grace Park, who wore a face mask while she waited, was told she was the last person in the line, and that it could be seven hours before she was vaccinated.

“I’m debating whether to stay,” she said. “I’m pregnant, I can’t stand for seven hours.”

People passed the time anyway they could manage. Parents brought plenty of toys and books to keep children occupied and others sat in lawn chairs brought from home.

One mother, Michelle Brochu, brought a mini tent she set up inside the centre. She filled it with toys and books to keep her 14-month-old son and her friend’s child busy.

“I knew we were going to be in line a long time,” she explained. “I brought everything I could under the moon to make it easy.”

Still, most people thought the line-up was a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Lesley and Rodway Daniels stood in line with their 18-week-old daughter, Eden. They said they would’ve brought more along with them if they knew how long they would have to wait.

“We brought snacks, water, a diaper bag and a chair that we left in the car,” said Ms. Daniels. “We realized that we were considered in the higher priority group, we’re doing it to protect her.”

Inside the centre, health care workers struggled to keep the massive amount of frustrated people informed and in line.

Two more clinics for priority groups are open on Friday: Metro Hall in downtown Toronto is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Scarborough Civic Centre is open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Ten clinics for the general public open across the city on Monday.

For a complete list of Toronto clinic locations and times, click here.