Toronto H1N1 clinics close early for second straight day

For the second straight day, both of Toronto's H1N1 vaccination clinics have closed early due to high demand.

The clinic at downtown's Metro Hall closed early in the afternoon, and the clinic at the Scarborough Civic Centre closed a few hours later.

Toronto Public Health handed out time-stamped tickets to ease wait times on Friday, after choas at two city clinics on Thursday.

Health officials are reminding the public that these clinics are 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.

On Thursday, high demand forced Toronto health officials to close the lines at both of the city's vaccination clinics.

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.

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

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

With files from the National Post.