Hundreds of West Shore residents braved the cold and rain today, queuing up in long lines for an H1N1 flu shot at Westshore Town Centre.

Health officials hope to immunize about 2,500 people per day in Langford with the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines. The Vancouver Island Health Authority has rented a large store space at the mall and had about 22 nurse stations Thursday and expect about 28 in upcoming weeks as people are hired and trained.

Only people at a higher risk for immune-system complications are asked get a shot this week and next, but officials admit the H1N1 program relies on the honour system.

“It’s hard to look at a person and tell if they are diabetic or have a lung or heart condition,” said Sandra Herbison, the public health unit manger for VIHA. “We’re not asking for proof and ultimately we want to immunize the entire population. We hope people are respectful of the process and let those who need it get it first.”

This week, people younger than 65 with chronic health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, pregnant women and people who live in isolated communities have priority.

Added to the list next week are children between six months and five years old, health care workers and care providers of infants and people with weak immune systems.

H1N1 shots for regular population will start Nov. 9 as part of the largest mass immunization in VIHA’s history.

Clinics at Westshore Town Centre are offered sporadically through October, November and December, with varying hours. Herbison said VIHA is trying to accommodate work and school schedules.

Some people at the mall had to wait for two or three hours before being seated with a nurse. Mark and Susan Fisher of Metchosin said the H1N1 shot is a worthwhile precaution.

“I don’t want to get the flu. My immune system is down,” Mark said. “It’s just a precaution. I really don’t want to get sick,” agreed Susan.

Herbison said VIHA is expecting another H1N1 vaccine shipment next week to supplement the 34,000 does received last week. “If we run low we will certainly communicate that to people. If we run out of vaccine (this week) that is a good thing,” Herbison said. “That means we did our best to immunize as many people as possible.”

Health authorities are encouraging everyone to get an H1N1 shot to protect themselves and others – especially those with existing health problems – from the spread of the flu. Herbison said H1N1 is infecting younger, healthier people more, simply because they don’t have an immunity to the virus.

“H1N1 affects the relatively healthy part of the population,” she said. “This is a way to help people prevent unnecessary illness. And it can be a serious flu bug. Severe illnesses and deaths are occurring.”

VIHA has vaccinated about 10,000 people at 285 clinics across the Island, but health officials say there have been cases where people in lower-risk groups are jumping the line.

“We are very pleased with the uptake. The clinics are very busy,” said Shannon Marshall, with VIHA communications. “But we are asking people to respect the needs of high-risk groups. We are experiencing challenges with the number of people showing up.

“There are logistical challenges for sure and we are asking people to be patient. There will be plenty to go around. Anyone who wants a H1N1 shot will get one.”

For more information on the H1N1 virus and immunization clinics, see www.viha.ca/h1n1.

H1N1 influenza immunization clinics at Westshore Town Centre, 2945 Jacklin Rd.

Oct. 29, 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 30, 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 6, 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 7, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 13, 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 19, 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 20, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 23, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 24, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 27, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 28, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 3, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Dec. 4, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 11, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 17, 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 18, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 19, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Beecher Bay (Reserve residents only)

Nov 3, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Nov 10, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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