First at Five, November 3, 2009

AUGUSTA, Ga.---There were some long lines, as the H1N1 vaccine shots become available in the Augusta area.

Carrie Wolfe has been anxiously waiting to get the vaccine for her and her two sons. Although maybe it's not pleasant, she says it's well worth the tears and pain.

She knew she wanted her kids to get it after hearing from family members who work in public health.

"I've had them tell me about children with flu, not only seasonal flu but H1N1 and what it looks like in a child and I don't even want to think about that happening to my family. So I'll do whatever I can to prevent that," said Wolfe.

Hundreds waited in line Tuesday at the Laney-Walker clinic. Those with the health department are glad fears don't seem to be holding people back.

"I would say that, having the vaccine to prevent you from getting the flu, by far outweighs the very small chances of you having an adverse reaction to the vaccine," said Emmitt Walker, public relations coordinator for the East Central Health District.

The CDC has gone back and forth on how many shots some people need. Right now they say anyone 10 years old or older needs just one shot. Children under 10 years old need two shots, with the second shot given about 28 days after the first.

"Nip it in the bud, I guess you could say. Everyone get it, that way it won't affect anybody and just get it out of here," says Wolfe.

The nasal spray vaccine is still available, but some groups should not get them, including pregnant women, and people with long-term health problems. They should get the shot instead.

The Columbia County Health Department is giving out H1N1 shots all week.

Aiken County's Health Department is also holding a clinic Tuesday until 8 pm, at 828 Richland Avenue West.

The H1N1 shots are free of cost.