TORONTO -- The overwhelming demand experienced across Canada for the H1N1 vaccine spilled over onto Toronto streets today.
It's the first day the city is offering the shot to high-priority groups.
With only two locations operating, thousands turned out -- some as early as 6 a.m. -- and many decried what they called a lack of organization.
Police say the line outside one Toronto clinic is snaking around a local arena and likely has thousands of anxious people waiting for their shots.
Some people shouted "I can't believe this is Canada," and "this isn't a Third World country," in response to the chaos around them.
ADVERTISEMENT
By early afternoon, both Toronto clinics were turning away newcomers but said people already in line would get their shots.
Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews is defending the work of the public health units, saying they're doing the best they can.
Matthews is rejecting suggestions that the province was unprepared for the massive vaccination program, and says it is still up to local officials in each city to determine the best way to administer the vaccines.
People wanting the H1N1 vaccine in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., aren't waiting in long line ups because that city implemented an appointment system.
Matthews says the province will look that system and may ask other cities to adopt it.
High-priority groups include adults 65 and under with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and healthy children six months to under five years old.
There's been a sharp increase in swine flu cases in Toronto, which has accelerated the local vaccination program for priority groups, and the general public can begin receiving H1N1 shots Monday.
Opposition critics say the Liberal government should do more to help shorten, or at least better co-ordinate, the long lines.
ADVERTISEMENT
Many who have turned up at clinics across the Greater Toronto Area this week have cited concerns about the recent deaths of two Ontario children.
Evan Frustaglio, a 13-year-old hockey player from Toronto, died Monday after falling sick on the weekend and 10-year-old Vanetia Warner of Cornwall died Saturday after being ill for several days.
On Wednesday, Toronto Public Health said Mount Sinai Hospital was dealing with a minor outbreak of H1N1, with one patient and two staff ill.
