EL PASO--- In the cold, lines of people wrapped around buildings for hours.
Then after waiting, some were turned away.
It was a miserable experience for El Pasoans just a day ago.
Yet today, a total 180 degree change.
"The line was horrendously long (yesterday). It wrapped around the corner of the building outside and the weather was bad and we kept driving," said Lynette Jackson, who received the swine flu mist vaccine along with her two daughters today. "So we tried it again today and there's no line and we were in and out within 10 minutes."
People walked right on in on the Westside Health Center.
No line and no wait.
But City health leaders say they've still learned its lesson from yesterday.
"Certainly we recognize weather was a factor yesterday, so the next time we get a large amount of vaccine we're going to use the Convention Center or some similar venue," said the City Public Health Director, Michael Hill.
We also asked about some other issues that surfaced yesterday.
We found every clinic operated differently.
Some counted down lines and designated cutoffs, others prioritized some groups over others.
Some did both.
"I do think that some of the clinics interpreted the direction a little bit differently than others," said Hill. "That's one of the advantages we'll have next time when we're doing it all at one time at one place. Then we'll be doing it consistently."
The idea's getting both - thumbs up and down - from vaccine seekers.
"Doesn't sound too bad, except I'm sure it's going to create a parking problem, but I mean they got plenty of parking at the convention center," said Charles Devillier, who was turned away Thursday because he did not meet criteria.
"No, this worked out really well for us. It was really close to our house, right in our neighborhood. So I like having it here," said Jackson.
Now that they have a new plan, it's just a waiting game for the City.
When they get the next big batch, leaders will announce the days and times for giving out the vaccine.
We're told it could be "any" time.
Today, tomorrow, after Christmas... Who knows.
Post new Comment