Notes for those going to Hardy next week

[Anonymous]

The line outside is just the beginning. From the corner, it took us about an hour to get into the building. If you have a little one, this is where you have to give up your stroller. From there, you enter a queue to get into the auditorium. It took about 45 minutes for that. Once in the auditorium, you are seated into rows, which are then called in order to get in line for the stage. We were there about an hour. Once in the line to get to the stage, it took about 15 minutes, then out.

I asked once in the auditorium if they would have enough shots for everyone, and I was assured by two different DOH people that there was certain to be enough.

I walked out about 9:35, and the line had been cut off and everyone to get a vaccine had entered the auditorium.

[Anonymous]

bump

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info. Not sure that either the kids or I have the stamina for that.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like you went when they opened? I'd recommend going later -- the lines dissipate from what I've heard.

[Anonymous]

The OP left at 9:35, after the clinic was supposed to have closed. When I left at 8:00, the line was still up to the corner. At least for last Thursday at Hardy, arriving later did not equal shorter lines. If you are traveling with small children, I would go on the early side and bring plenty of snacks, a virtual portable dinner.

The problem is it is hard to predict, a short line one week will be along line the next week. It appears that the shorter lines are outside NW DC. That may change as people figure it out. I certainly hope the lines get shorter (and that more pediatricians get the vaccine) as more becomes available.

[Anonymous]

I got to Hardy last week at 7PM. At the time I arrived the line was all the way down 35th to the corner of Whitehaven. I waited for about 30 minutes and realized we were still a good 20 minutes from the ramp. Rumor had it, it was a 45 minute wait from the ramp. We bailed as I could not wait with 2 young children for at least another hour.

I have not decided if I am going to try again tomorrow or if I am going to another location on Saturday.

Also - a reminder that the population for who is eligible to get shots has expanded to the general population effective yesterday. So there might be a lot more people - without kids - trying to get H1N1 vaccinations tomorrow.

[Anonymous]

I think the eligible population now includes people older that 24 with underlying health conditions, still not healthy adults. At least per the DC flu website.

I do not think it is expected to be available to the general adult population until mid-November at the earliest.