DAVIS COUNTY — Nearly 8,000 people have received H1N1 vaccinations in two mass clinics held earlier this week and Saturday.

About 5,300 vaccinations were administered to those people who came to the Bountiful Regional Center in North Salt Lake on Saturday, while another 2,500 were inoculated Tuesday in a clinic at the Davis Conference Center in Layton.

As of press time, the Health Department had not received a new shipment of vaccine. However, state sources normally release supplies on Wednesdays.

A mass vaccination clinic is tentatively set for Tuesday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Davis Conference Center. Readers are urged to call the flu information line at 451-3333 or visit the website www.daviscountyutah.gov/flu for the latest information on vaccine availability.

As happened last Tuesday, the clinic opened earlier than 10 a.m. because of long lines and may open again earlier, if possible, said Robert Bellew, public information officer for the Health Department.

“On Saturday, no one was turned away, but on Tuesday we ran out about noon,” he said. Tuesday’s clinic opened more than an hour early to accommodate waiting crowds.

“There was a line starting at 5 a.m..,” said Davis Conference Center catering manager Dave Hilliard. “Some people had set up tents. The lobby was full and people were out the door.”

In fact, a line snaked through the building and outside, winding around adjacent buildings, he said.

“We are planning to set up concessions, doughnuts, etc., next week” and after, Hilliard said. That’s in an effort to help accommodate the anticipated large crowds.

Bellew emphasized that “trained clinicians” provide the inoculations, which are a mixture of nasal mist and shots. Medical staff do the task quickly, but because of the large numbers of people coming, all at once, it does take some time, he said.

Far more people typically are in line than can actually receive the immunization. That’s because only those falling into the “high risk” category can receive it, at present.

Youngsters aged 2 years through young adults, aged 24, are eligible, plus under age 50 and household contact or caregiver of children younger than six months, along with those with “underlying” health conditions. Health and emergency medical service workers under the age of 50 are also eligible.

Additional clinics will be announced.