BRIAN KELLEY The Roanoke Times

Private medical practices in the region are expected to receive H1N1 vaccines in increasing numbers this month.

An H1N1 flu shot clinic drew hundreds of people to a Salem medical office Saturday, with dozens of people lined up in the 36-degree morning chill when the clinic opened at 8.

Primary Care Associates announced the vaccination clinic earlier in the week. The private medical practice had received 1,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine, which has been in short supply both locally and nationally because of production delays. The clinic distributed the vaccine for free but charged a $19.96 administrative fee per dose.

For people who arrived at 8 a.m., it took one hour and 45 minutes to get inside the practice and to receive the shots or, for the youngest children, nasal mist vaccine.

By 11:15 a.m., the line still doubled back on itself and extended in front of the Lee-Hi Medical Center and Urgent Care at 2155 Apperson Road.

The mood in line seemed good, despite the long wait. Joyce Manuel of Salem had been waiting since 9:30. "We're making new friends," she said.

Candyth Thomas of Salem said those in the line had been assured there would be plenty of vaccine for everyone. Rosemary Haston of Roanoke County said she and others had been filling the time mostly by talking, as she'd forgotten to bring something to read.

Vaccine against H1N1 flu, also known as swine flu, has gradually been making its way into the Roanoke and New River valleys. Some has been distributed at schools in the New River Valley, and starting Friday, at selected schools in the Alleghany/Roanoke City Health District. It has also been distributed at public health clinics with a goal of distributing it to high-risk groups that include pregnant women and children between 6 months and 18 years old.

Dr. Karen Remley, the state health commissioner, said Thursday that the Virginia Department of Health expects to have the vaccine available to the general public by the end of November.

At Saturday's clinic in Salem, children were given priority for the first 90 minutes and there were many toddlers and youngsters -- alternately fidgeting, crying, playing Nintendo DS games or even waiting calmly -- in line with their parents. Children 9 years old and younger must receive two doses of the vaccine spaced one month apart to be fully protected. Health care providers operating the clinic said they weren't certain how the second doses would be delivered through the clinic, but each person vaccinated received a card that noted the date, lot number and manufacturer of the drug.

Another, much smaller H1N1 vaccination clinic is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. today at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library in Floyd. The clinic will have just 100 injectable doses and about 30 nasal flu mist doses, organizers said, and they will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

Other private medical practices are expected to receive the vaccines in increasing numbers this month as manufacturers' supply catches up with demand.