Clinics administering shots for the H1N1 swine flu reported steady demand Friday the first day immunization was open to the general public.

Public-health nurses and patients reported a smooth flow at both Victoria-area clinics yesterday, Pearkes Recreation Centre and Westshore Town Centre. Only Pearkes experienced delays, with waits of about 90 minutes.

Irene Rathbone, clinical co-ordinator with the Westshore Health Unit supervising at the Westshore Town Centre clinic, said most people were relieved to finally get the shot.

“People are happy,” said Rathbone. “I think it’s a bit of a relief for them.”

Mary Chykowski was ineligible until yesterday but said two of her co-workers got very sick recently and she was glad not to have to take chances. Her wait in line was less than 30 minutes.

“There was a little bit of a lineup but it went pretty quickly,” said Chykowski.

Until yesterday, flu-shot eligibility had been restricted to those at highest risk of complications from H1N1. Shots began with pregnant women and those under 65 with chronic health conditions such as diabetes or asthma, and gradually expanded to include groups such as children.

But turnouts slowed to a trickle earlier this week. On Thursday, B.C. Chief Medical Health Officer Perry Kendall declared shots would be available to anyone who wants one.

Over at Pearkes Recreation Centre, public-health nurse Betty Poag, who was supervising the site, said efforts were made to supply chairs to elderly people waiting in line.

“People have been absolutely fantastic and very patient,” she said.

Dan Liesh said he noticed people seemed prepared for the wait. They brought books, knitting or crossword puzzles to pass the time.

Liesh said he and his wife, a nurse, are planning a trip to Mexico, where H1N1 was first recorded. “It just seemed best to get [the shot] here.”

Next week, B.C. is expecting 258,000 more doses of the vaccine, with 640,000 due the week after.

Kendall has said the growing supply is a good sign production difficulties may be over. If so, the province should receive enough to vaccinate 75 per cent of its four million residents, which will make for a good level of community immunity.

So far, 1.16 million doses of vaccine have been dispensed in B.C., covering about 25 per cent of the population.

H1N1 arrived in B.C. in April. Widespread infection subsided over the summer but took off again in the fall, beginning on Vancouver Island.

The flu is different from the regular seasonal variety, whose arrival is expected sometime early next year, because younger people are at higher risk of complications. People born before 1957 are believed to have encountered a similar virus in years past and have some immunity.

To date, the province has experienced 755 severe cases and at least 30 deaths of people infected with H1N1.

rwatts@tc.canwest.com