THORNTON, Colo. -- Frustration then relief.

Those were the emotions expressed by people who had waited in long lines for the H1N1 vaccine at Tri-County Health Department's first public clinics Thursday.

"I had to take my children out of school to get the vaccine," one frustrated parent told 7NEWS. "They should have had two separate clinics here."

Other parents were more upbeat.

Debbie Bakarich reached into a stroller and picked up her 8-month-old son, Brady, then said, "I just couldn't wait to get him vaccinated and keep him healthy."

Khristen Fritzsche and her four children drove up to Bennett from Highlands Ranch.

They wanted to be first in line and were.

Fritzsche said she spent the last two months fretting about vaccine availability.

"It's been really nerve-wracking and pretty scary," the Highlands Ranch mom said, while motioning to her 4-year-old son, Jarrod. "I've kept him out of school because he's asthmatic and we're really worried about him."

Jarrod flinched when he received the H1N1 shot in his arm.

His older brother, Nathaniel, and sisters, Michelle and Kaleigh, received the flu mist.

"It was OK," Nathaniel said. "It was better than the shot."

When asked her thoughts after her children were immunized, Fritzsche said, "Very, very happy. They're protected now."

"It's a wave of relief," added Erica Bertram, who brought her two daughters to get their shots. "It's done, and we're all protected. We all have asthma, so hopefully, no one has to go to the hospital."

The initial Tri-County clinics are focusing on high risk individuals.

When asked when there might be enough vaccine for the general population, Dr. Richard Vogt said, "I wish I could answer that question. It's not easy to determine."

But Vogt did hazard a guess.

"I think what we'll see for the general public is an ability to vaccinate folks probably after the first of the year. That's what we're looking at," said Vogt.

Tri-County has three more clinics scheduled Friday at:

Arapahoe Community College, 5900 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Ranum High School, 2401 W. 80th Avenue, Adams County, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Shadow Ridge Middle School, 12551 Holly St., Thornton, 4:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the priority groups eligible to receive the vaccine include: pregnant women, parents/caretakers and siblings of children younger than 6 months, children, people with underlying health conditions and healthcare personnel with direct patient contact.

The vaccine is free, but Tri-County officials are urging people to come prepared.

Be prepared to stand in line, wear comfortable shoes and dress for weather conditions.

Bring water or light snacks since none will be provided.

For your convenience you can download the consent forms in advance. Visit TCHD.org/flu

Check with the local school for any snow closure or delays.