Flu vaccine runs out, UNM clinics done

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Free seasonal flu shots at University of New Mexico clinics are kaput.

University officials said Saturday that supplies have run out due to high demand for the vaccine.

People eager to get their flu shots have converged on UNM clinics since the day they started in early October.

It was no different Saturday at the Southeast Heights clinic on Central Avenue in Albuquerque.

“I came out to get my flu shot because about a month ago I said this was the day I was going to do it,” Mel Bork said.

Lines at the Southeast Heights location wrapped around the parking lot. Most people in line said they had to wait at least an hour to get to the front of the line.

“It’s just not nice to be sick and it's important to take care of ourselves,” Vickie Cordoba, who was waiting in line for her flu shot, explained.

It was a different scene, however, at the Lobo Care and Senior Health Clinic off Lomas Boulevard.

Nurses said there was a good turnout, but they did not have lines like the SE clinic.

Officials extended the clinic hours from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, and were bringing people over from the other clinic so they wouldn’t have to wait in line.

Nurses at the Lobo Care clinic told News 13 they are not surprised the vaccine supply ran dry.

“It's happened before in years past especially when there's been an outbreak of something,” Ann Zolin said. “I think the H1N1 has made people more aware to get the flu shot.”

The next three scheduled Saturday clinics are canceled.

UNM officials said since September, more than 40,000 flu shots have been given out at the walk-in and drive-thru clinics and at the hospital.

UNM officials tell News 13 there will be more clinics scheduled to give out the H1N1 vaccine, but there is no word yet on when those will be.