The Laredo Health Department makes an announcement sure to have hundreds headed to the Laredo Entertainment Center. Health officials say the first H1-N1 flu clinic is set for Monday at the L.E.C.

Laredo health officials received about 8,000 Swine Flu vaccines a few weeks ago and administered those to people who need them most, like sick children and pregnant women. Now, they're opening it up to the rest of the public.

Dr. Hector Gonzalez, making an announcement many have been waiting to hear, says 2,000 Swine Flu vaccines will be available for the public, free of charge, at a flu clinic on Monday at the L.E.C.

The nasal spray vaccine can only be given to people two to 24 years old who are in good health:

“We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity and get your kids vaccinated.”

Pregnant women, and others who do not fit the criteria, should ask their physicians for the vaccine. So far, almost 35 people have been hired and trained to help administer the doses.

“Based on the turnout at other Laredo flu clinics, there’s no doubt that plenty of people will show up here on Monday, but to those who aren’t able to, health officials continue to say ‘don’t panic.’”

At a press conference held Thursday, Gonzalez said recent closures of businesses, most recently the tax collectors office, were absolutely not necessary:

“Contrary to what you’ve heard and even in this community a few weeks ago someone closed down the building. We do not close down schools or businesses due to a case of flu. This is flu.”

Still, some questioned the safety of the vaccine. Health officials say people have nothing to worry about:

“Not only the United States has completed the trial of the vaccine but it has been completed in other parts of the country and the world so thousands have received it, and it’s safe.”

Gonzalez says there will not be enough doses of FluMist for everyone on Monday, but more will soon be available.

The only question still not answered is: When?