Hundreds show up for free flu shots

AUSTIN (KXAN) - More than a thousand people stood in line for a free flu shot in South Austin Saturday, hoping to steer clear of the virus.

Norma Lopez brought her two children Angelica and Miguel to get their free flu shots.

"I really don't want them to get sick," said Lopez. "It's a prevention for their health. They're my priority. I had to wake up really early today."

It was actually her second time waiting in line.

"I actually had gone last weekend to another center, and I had to wait three hours, and I couldn't wait any longer, and I saw this opportunity, and I thought I gotta go!" said Lopez.

Norma was not the only one determined to beat the flu this year.

Hundreds of people started lining up around 8 a.m.  Saturday morning, waiting for three hours to get their free flu shot.

"We know there's going to be a line," said Sandra Mendoza. "There's always going to be a line when something's free."

Mendoza came prepared. She even brought a chair and her iPod to pass the time.

"Well, considering I had the flu last year, it was really important," said Mendoza. "Plus, it's free."

Health officials said this year more people are worried about swine flu as well as the normal seasonal flu.

"I think we have a heightened awareness of the flu in general, and that's why we're seeing more people," said Coleen Christian, City of Austin's Public Health Educator. "This is one of the best preventative measures you can take to protect yourself from the flu along with washing your hands, covering your mouth and staying home when you're sick."

The swine flu vaccine will be available in mid-October and will be free to everyone. The City of Austin has already applied for 10,000 doses to give out to the uninsured. People like Lopez are doing all they can to protect themselves and their children from getting sick this flu season.

"It really scares me," said Lopez. "You never know what's out there."

The City of Austin will hold a drive-thru free flu clinic this Wednesday, September 23 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Travis County Expo Center on 7311 Decker Lane.