VICTORIA - There were long lineups inthe pouring rain at UVic today as people waited to get the H1N1 flu shot. Some people waited nearly two hours to get inside. Inside the mass-vaccination clinic it was just as busy. Nurses administered vaccines to people in last week's high risk groups and the next wave of eligible people including some frontline healthcare workers, children 6 months to 10 years old, and people who care for infants and children with comprimized immune systems.

Some 2000 people were immunized at the clinic today. Fears of a vaccine shortage brough people out early. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall says there will be only 63,000 doses of the vaccine next week, so availability will be extremely limited. The Vancouver Island Health Authority expects to have another shipment of H1N1 vaccines by Wednesday.

While health offices acknowledge that BC has shortages of the vaccine, just like other provinces, they say their priorized approach is appropriate. But there is evidence of cue-jumping and the second wave of the H1N1 flu is yet to peak.

As more vaccine becomes available, more flu-shot clinics will open. The province maintains that everyone who needs and wants the H1N1 vaccine will be able to get one by Christmas.