Waiting to receive the county's free H1N1 flu vaccine, hundreds of Sacramentans queued outside of Loaves and Fishes on Wednesday.

“I'm thankful that they have this,” said Beverly Hoeven, a resident at the Salvation Army's nearby shelter. “I just want to be protected, my daughter is pregnant.”

Organizers expected roughly 1,000 people, but they were prepared to service any in need. “There is no shortage,” said Sacramento County Public Health employee Lorence Kuhlman.

Residents from throughout the area began waiting more than an hour before the 10-a.m. opening of the clinic.

“I've seen what this illness can do, and I can get the shot for free,” said community resident Jennifer Rose.

As the vaccinations commenced, the swelled line began to shorten. The county vaccinated six individuals at a time and dozens of officials from both the county and Loaves and Fishes expedited the process by helping those in line complete medical forms. Officials also periodically reassured everyone that they would receive the vaccine.

"This is really a good thing," Rose said. "The more people that get vaccinated the less chance there will be a pandemic."

As of Nov. 18, Sacramento county has scheduled more than three dozen free H1N1 community clinics. Individuals interested in the vaccine can visit the Sacramento County Public Health website at www.scph.com or call the county's health line at (916) 875-5881 for more information.

Kuhlman recommends individuals check the website or call before they visit a clinic.

“Even today, things will change,” Kuhlman said. “It's very fluid, we adapt according to community health needs.”