WESTVILLE - If they sold tickets for Wednesday's H1N1 flu immunization clinic in Westville, it would have definitely been a money maker.
The line was long, very long, and deep.
It snaked from the door of the civic building out to Queen Street and toward the fire department.
They were lined up hours before the 10 a.m. clinic began and by 2:30 p.m., 400 people had received their shots. Eileen MacIsaac, spokeswoman for the Pictou County Health Authority, said everyone who was in line by 3 p.m. would get their shots on Wednesday, but not anyone arriving later.
"We expect that we'll immunize another 400 by the end of the clinic," she said.
MacIsaac said PCHA staff members were outside the clinic alerting people of the cutoff for Wednesday's clinic and passing out schedules for the remaining clinics. She said most people were taking it in stride.
"For the most part, people were quite understanding."
The target was for immunizing 100 people per hour at the clinic with 12 nursing stations set up in the gymnasium area.
Chris MacInnis was in line at about 9:40 a.m. and it looked like he wasn't going to make it to work for 11 a.m. But for him the wait was worth it.
"It's not worth the risk of not getting it for my kids," said the Westville father of two.
Bill McTague has gotten the flu shot for the past eight years and got both shots this year.
He said publicity was the deciding factor. "I wasn't going to take any chances," he said shortly after getting his shot.
Westville Police Chief Don Hussher said they had some major concerns early in the day with traffic problems.
"Several intersections were blocked. They (people getting shots) were here at 6 a.m. We started getting (traffic) problems at 9 a.m. As a police department, we didn't anticipate it."
The department quickly got things under control with the help of firefighters from the Westville department handling traffic control much as they do during Canada Day festivities. Drivers were being instructed to park in the field across from the fair grounds.
Hussher said traffic is the big concern, but they're also concerned about people standing out in the cold for a long time, especially the elderly and children. One woman in line collapsed and was taken to hospital.
Another clinic is being held today in Westville and the chief said they won't be caught unawares again. "We're ready for it now."
Pat Lee, CEO of the Pictou District Health Authority, said the clinic was well organized and, as they go along, each succeeding one will be run a little smoother.
"We are learning the process. The first day is not as fast as the last day…There's a number of high-risk groups here. They take more time to process. But it's a good thing high-risk groups are coming. The public's been very reasonable, they realize it's going to take some time. We were worried the public was not going to take it as seriously as they are."
A special nurses station was set up on the stage for civic officials and clergy from around the county. Members of the Weeks Jr. A Crushers were vaccinated at the same station as well.
Lee said the health authority hoped seeing those groups vaccinated would help spread the message.
"We hope they will build public confidence. The Crushers are here too, youth have been at risk. We wanted to put a youth face to this."
That didn't sit too well with one woman who waited in line from 9:15 a.m. and got home at about 1:40 p.m. Linda Spears said if they wanted to show these high-profile members of the community getting shots, they should have waited in line like the rest of the public.
"We were standing out there for hours. If they got in line with us, it would have been fine. Why were they given priority? We were out in the cold too."
MacIsaac said once the civic leaders and Crushers were vaccinated the other nurse's station was open to the public. "There are now two on the stage in addition to the 10 on the floor," she said. "We have 12 stations for everyone…We appreciate people's patience."
Lee said the health authority aims to give everyone a shot in the arm.
"We want to hopefully get 100 per cent of the public vaccinated.…We're having staff clinics next week. We're hoping all healthcare workers are vaccinated to protect themselves, their patients and communities."
People from other areas of the province were in line for the clinic and Lee said he hoped others would attend their home clinics.
"One of the first people in line was a pregnant woman from Halifax. She was here at 6:15 a.m. We do encourage the public to go to their own district. Vaccines are allotted by district."
He did add that the PCHA won't be taking clinics into the schools.
"We chose not to go into the schools because of the consent issue. Families would have to come in anyway."
Flu frenzy
Flu frenzy
- Published on October 29, 2009
- Published on December 30, 2009
-
Ray Burns
A shot at immunization
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Comments
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- Pat
- - January 18, 2010 at 14:35:28
When I drove by at 8:00a.m. there was already a lineup for the clinic. Please people, use common sense, if you are not in a high-risk group, let those that are go first. I plan on having a shot but I will wait until those who need it more than I have had an opportunity first. There will be a web broadcast on H1N1 tonight, I got the info from dialing 811. Getting a seasonal virus and/or snowdays are a fact of maritime life, not an inconvenience. Take a deep breath people.
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- Public deserves an answer
- - January 18, 2010 at 14:25:55
Not surprised there is a rush to get the vaccination and totally sympathize with health authorities trying to manage crowds. However, the issue of certain groups or people who are designated to be immunized (get health care) before others without a health based reason (i.e. high risk as we've heard) is very, very serious. We are supposed to have equal access to health care in Canada subject to medical reasons or to protect the integrity and efficeiency of the system - we've heard about high risk groups or say, last names A - G on Tuesday or?? . The credibility and integrity of our local health authority is bought into question and this must be responded to. Seems there are other criteria for health care that the public isn't being told? What other services are being provided to certain people and who decides? Who has been harmed because someone more important , recieved attention and they were knocked down the list. I hope there is a credible answer by the health authority management for this. This is a very, very serious matter. In fact, the implications for the public trust in arguably our most important institution are as serious as anything reported in this newpaper in a long, long time.
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- fred
- - January 18, 2010 at 14:14:58
The organizers of H1N1 flu immunization clinic in Westville allowed a hockey team to cut the line while pregnant women, children and seniors stood in the line. Eileen MacIsaac should realize these physical fit hockey players can stand in line a lot longer than many in our community. The Crushers should have taken a long look at the line and given their line cutting spot to those less able to stand.
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- Chris
- - January 18, 2010 at 14:05:47
I guess posting the truth about the people who recieved the shot at the westville clinic and skipped the lines is not allowed by this news paper. Hmm makes one think does it not...
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- P
- - January 18, 2010 at 14:01:12
The Media is Controlling you through Fear!
I mean look at this articles title Flu Frenzy . Sure its a title, but people will take what they want from it, and the people who are uninformed will assume the worst.
Read up on it and educate yourselves, multiple sources and different views should give you a good understanding of anything. If your only reading one side of the story than you are not doing yourself a favor.
Having people wait outside for hours is going to cause more people to be ill. -
- Arthur
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:59:46
Idea for the organizers,use a parking lot for vehicles and in the way in issue numbers to the people going in and have a digital display to show the numbers to come forward. people would not have to stand or experience exposure to the elements.
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- Bob
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:58:41
Just Boycott the Crushers games! Its that simple.
Not that I particularly agree with the vaccine but this is absolutely ridiculous! Why in the hell should The Mayor of New Glasgow go ahead of the residents of Westville.
Isn't New Glasgow's Reign of Power over Westville over?? -
- Kat
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:55:58
I am truly ashamed to say I live in Pictou County when municipal leaders (leaders - that's questionable at times) and their spouses feel they can bump a lineup of people waiting for a vaccine for a little PR. How selfish. What about the elderly and ill people standing in that lineup for hours?
Wait your turn - you are the same as everyone else. -
- Jake C.
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:44:53
Did anyone watch the CBC National News last night? Manbridge had a MD on and she clearly stated that h1n1 is absolutely no more virulent or contagious then the regular seasonal flu. She also stated that it will not claim anymore lives then the seasonal flu. Yet here we are people giving into mass hysteria fueled by media around the world. Go to the CBC national news website and watch the broadcast from last night.
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- Impressed
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:43:40
I just wanted to say hopefully the government learned their lesson by opening just one at a time. Oh and thank you *sarcasam* from all the residents of this area for those who made the drive from Halifax and other out of county areas for making the trip down so that our residents are still left fighting to get their vaccination. It's wonderful how you listened when asked to stay in your own districts.
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- Christina
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:39:44
I would like to know if anyone has looked into or even asked about the side effects of this vaccine? What will happen in the near future? I have asthma and am terrified of getting this shot and also live in an over populated city!
I have an appointment to discuss my fears with a General Practioner here in Toronto before anyone sticks a needle in my arm. What makes this vaccine so safe? It sounds like my hometown is going crazy...pushing people out of the way to get protected for something they probably know nothing about! WOW! -
- what the hell form westvi
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:33:44
forgot to add in my report that i was turned away , with my kids
time to pony up cowboys who dropped the ball ? -
- mike from reality
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:25:02
First class citizens, step right up all you second class citizens wait in line in the cold, we'll get to ya. Complete PR disaster.
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- Out
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:24:04
Yes, we need an article on the special folks who were allowed to bypass the waiting crowds for shots.
The Crushers? Seriously?
I'm with Alice. -
- Troy
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:24:01
Who are the Crushers....nothing but a bunch of nobodies going nowhere...to think they are more important than children, seniors etc....who is going to go watch them when everybodies sick.
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- Undecided
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:21:50
Is there any cost for the shot?
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- William
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:20:42
Give clipboard carrying bureaucrats a bit of authority and look out anything can and will happen, logic need not apply. At least the so called elite can go to a hockey game.
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- sick and tired
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:19:44
so, clergy, politicians, and hockey players... oh, and don't forget that Ann and Gene are special too...
Does anyone know if anyone has gotten sick from the vaccine itself yet? -
- charles
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:16:21
a hat's off the the westville police and fire department
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- Alice
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:16:05
i second that motion that the ngnews have a reporter check into this 'Priviliged people get in ahead of all others matter,and kindly report it back in tomorrows edition of the ngnews.
Any and all agreeable people join in and ask the same right here for all to see. -
- Nicki
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:11:54
I was not at the clinic yesturday, but certainly heard enough about it. First of all, regardless of your views on the H1N1 flu and immunization, bottom line is that there was serious lack of judgement that occurred yesturday. I am a mother of a child under 2. I work full time and am still trying to figure out how I am going to get my daughter immunized sooner rather than later. And when I read The New this morning I was pretty angry.
For the life of me I can not understand how any organizer of the event thought rushing through councilors and hockey players was a smart idea. They wanted to put a face to the immunizations, how about the pregnant lady that works in the public sector, or the child that goes to daycare. Or the men and women who work in our hospitals. These are the ones who should have been cared for first, these are the ones that have been catagorized by WHO and various other health authorities as being at greatest risk. They stood in line, the children stood in line. IN THE COLD. But a select few gained the status of being more elite or of more status that the rest of the community. I can't help but ask - were they selling hockey tickets around the corner for the next game. It truely sickens me that this publicity stunt was even organized but also that it was even agreed to by these members.
I truely hope that SOMEONE is reconsidering the organization of the upcoming clinics. For the sake of those who need to be first in line. -
- something to think about
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:06:13
I think they should vaccinate the kids in their schools with the parents consent. They are a high risk, have you ever stood in a line with a 5 year old for a few minutes let alone a couple of hours especially when he/she knows they have to get a needle.. there are a few schools in Halifax that are vaccinating the kids in the schools. More parents would get the vaccination if it was offered in the schools. It would also ease the kids who are terrified of neddles when they see their friends getting it!!!
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- Dan
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:05:23
Not only did the crushers get preferred treatment, but a large portion of the team had flu like symptoms (as reportrd in the sports section of this newspaper). So what were they doing in a very heavily populated area???
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- Sam
- - January 18, 2010 at 12:59:26
Medical personal and first responders first in line to get the shot I agree fully. Politicians, hockey teams, clergy and so called radio celebrities cutting the line while pregnant women, children, seniors (some with walkers) standing in line for hours, someone should be held accountable.
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- Somebody
- - January 18, 2010 at 12:58:44
First of all I think if there are various other clinics set up around the other towns then it should of been only citizens of that town to get it and this would save a lot of long line ups. They say there is enough for everyone so just wait for it to get to your town!!
The people that showed up from out of Pictou County should not of even got their shot here either!! -
- FLU
- - January 18, 2010 at 12:57:11
I agree with stop complaining.Everyone who wants a flu shot will get one free. Just drop by Trenton the end of next month and get one.I bet there won`t be any line ups there.
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- Mildred
- - January 18, 2010 at 12:52:35
Hockey Team, Clergy and community leaders all by-passed the line while children, pregnant women and seniors stand in line, someone need to shake their heads.
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- stop complaining!
- - January 18, 2010 at 12:50:31
I am sick and tired of listening to people complain about having to queue for the H1N1 vaccine.
Stand in line, shut up, and wait your turn. Don't complain about the wait or think that you should be given a hot drink, blanket or mittens (these were all suggested by someone in line at the Westville clinic yesterday and appeared in the Chronicle Herald today). You could bring these things yourself if you want them.
Expect a wait if you want to be one of the first people to get the vaccine. If you aren't in one of the high risk groups, why not wait until another clinic later on since they will be running for another month anyway. Just be sure to follow the guidelines on handwashing, etc.
Just so people know, a lot of the nurses who are working at these clinics are volunteering their time, and many are retired nurses who have chosen to help out, and are again volunteering.
It's a mass immunization campaign, and is on a scale that hasn't been done before. It is going to take a bit of time to get everything figured out. Calm down and have some patience. -
- Just_Plan
- - January 18, 2010 at 12:49:31
I too waited in line with my daughter while I watch the Mayor of New Glasgow and (town official) with their spouses step around everyone that had been waiting for hours. As well as the crushers among others. I am an emergency worker in this county and attend a number of emergency scenes everyday week. I was not given any special treatment nor did I expect any. And I think if you spoke to any emergency worker in pictou county they would certainly feel the same.
To those of you who expected special treatment because of your so called titles. You certainly did not demonstrate your concern for the well being of the people you work for ( The Public ) you are a very poor example. And I am sure your excuse for not waiting in line would be something along the lines of well we are an essential service. ( Disgusting) -
- confused health care pers
- - January 18, 2010 at 12:49:28
I am confused as to why the people who use the sheppards lunch room are having their own private flu clinic,can they not go to get their needles like everyone else and wait for hours,Is it because they are high risk group,I don't think so remember the high rish is healthy young people and pregnant women.Is it because they don't have the money to get a cab?,well there is working class poor who can't afford a cab either but find a way to get to a clinic.People came from everywhere to the first clinic in Westville,even peple from out of province.I know people don't want to wait a few days for their clinic in their area because the sooner the better,I am sure that the parents of the 13 yr old that died wished that he had his needle too a few days sooner.But how do working people 8-4 get in a line up that is shut down at 3pm?Some people in the line up stood for hrs for their familly then called on a cell phone when close to the front and 5 members drive up and hop in line,maybe I'll do that too for my elderly parent who can't stand for longer than 15 min nor be out in the cold.Why not use the nscc gym so everyone can line up around it so they are inside out of the cold,cancel the haunted house for this year there,it makes more sense.
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- Public deserves an answer
- - January 18, 2010 at 12:49:12
Shoud have commented more on the lack of crediblity of the answer given. It was for the PR?? A special nursing station to show important people getting the vacine or putting a youth face on this with the Crushers? C'mon - to show who? The people who were already so commited to getting the shot they were standing in a line of hundreds!! The response shows at best, a real lack of management competence and lack of judgement. Busting through the anti-vaccine craziness and getting as many people as possible to take the shot is important to us all. I will give them the benefit of the doubt and believe they were sincere in wanting to show something to the public. SO, to restore the trust of the public in our local health care authority, at the very least, the CEO must admit that this was an error, undertaken in the best possible faith, apologize and assure the public that the only reason for prioitizing health care is on a medical basis or to protect the integrity of functioning of the entire system. Big institutions make mistakes - its when they won't admit them that public confidence is eroded. Please, don't tut, tut, we know best, you must realize us or discount these concerns as a crazy fringe.
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- what the hell
- - January 18, 2010 at 12:47:47
just left work early , shot home and got my kids and went to the clinic for the shot ( IN MY HOMETOWN) and i have never been more ashamed in my life to be from pictou county when children and seniors from thier own town play second class citizens to a bunch of no good people who think that they are better than the rest . Ann and her little puppet are not high risk and what about the rest of the people that work at that station , as for the crushers w t f , any man who would walk in front of children and seniors .... boy you got some problems . James Cameron should do a movie part 2 for titanic , then he could show how when pressure is on, lock all second class people away and only the people that matter get looked after . its sad to think that in someones mind that thier parents or anyone else told them that they were better than the rest .
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- Jay
- - January 18, 2010 at 12:46:48
So can we get a news report on how the line ups are today? I would like to know what to expect each day.
Also, yeah the hockey team thing really made me shake my head. -
- Andrew
- - January 18, 2010 at 12:46:43
Lemmings. I can't believe how easily we are misled by irrational fear.
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- Mommy
- - January 18, 2010 at 12:46:18
I was fortunate enough to have myself and my young son vaccinated yesterday. We were also fortunate enough to be ushered into a special line for children under 5. It was unfortunate that the same area could not have been shared with other high risks groups.
I would like to commend all the nurses, staff and volunteers that work in these clinics. They are working very hard to make sure we are all safe and manage to do it with such pleasantness and pateince. I thank you for all your efforts! -
- FLU BUG
- - January 18, 2010 at 12:45:37
I agree with stop complaining.Everyone that wants one will get one.You can drop by Trenton in a months time and get your shot.I bet there won`t be any line ups there.
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- hair dresser from trenton
- - January 18, 2010 at 12:42:21
I feel that the way this immunization has been planned is pathetic and unfair to all the public! There is no reason why each town can't have immunization stations with certain areas going to this one and certain areas going to that one. That way there would be no waiting in line for the elderly or young children.Having the immunization provided in the schools is a wonderful idea and would also be a great relief to the parents.It should also be provided to the community colleges and the universities as most of these students are in the target age group. Its sad the media has put such a scare into people that we are choosing certain individuals over others. Looking at the photo of the line in Westville printed in The News was like watching a tv program from a third world country of people waiting for immunization. Its a flu and if we are patient and want the immunization we will get our turn!
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- Laziest
- - January 18, 2010 at 12:40:07
.
Is what I'm hearing true? That the Mayor et al of New Glasgow cut the line at a clinic in Westville, when in just a few days she could have exercised leadership in her own town by attending the clinic at the YMCA?
That is completely unacceptable. Can we get some follow up on this NGNews? -
- arthur
- - January 18, 2010 at 12:37:00
A bus or two should also be on hand for those who do not have their own vehicle.
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- LOIE
- - January 18, 2010 at 12:34:46
WHAT IS WRONG WITH OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM NOT HAVING CLINICS IN THE SCHOOLS EVERY SCHOOL HAVE PARENTS WHO ARE NURSES THAT WOULD GLADLY GO TO THEIR CHILD SCHOOLS TO HELP FROM SPREADING THIS FLU.COME ON SCHOOL BOARD GET WISE FOR A CHANGE
