HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. -- Thousands waited in line for hours at ThunderRidge High School on Saturday to get the H1N1 vaccine.

People were so determined to get vaccinated they started lining up around 4 a.m., according to Tri-County Health officials. The clinic didn’t begin until 9 a.m. By then, the line already weaved through the inside of the building and wrapped around the sidewalks surrounding the school.

Haley Suderman was only halfway through the line at 11 a.m.

“I was expecting a line. I wasn’t expecting like a two mile long line,” she said.

However, Suderman was determined to get her one-year-old daughter, Charlotte, vaccinated after suffering complications from the virus herself.

“I had H1N1 at the beginning of October. It’s been five weeks now and I’m not 100-percent well. So, I just decided there’s no way I’m letting my one-year-old get this,” she said.

Parent Shivani Sharma waited for three-and-a-half hours before her two sons were able to get the vaccine.

“I’m ready to stand even for the whole day because it’s pretty scary,” Sharma said.

“I think people are fearful of the unknown. This particular virus came on the scene last April and it’s persisted throughout this time,” said Dr. Richard Vogt, executive director for Tri-County Health.

He said, “Some individuals have had some real serious problems with the infection. Most people can handle it quite well. People are trying to protect themselves the best they can and this is one way to do it.”

Dr. Vogt said his staff was prepared for a big turnout, after more than 1,600 people came to their clinic in Adams County yesterday.

He said, fortunately, people have been patient.

College student Scott Berres even took some time to catch some much needed rest on the school lawn, as his mom held his spot in line.

“I’ve just been napping and texting friends. So, I’ve been passing the time,” Berres said.

Other families brought toys for the kids and snacks to hold them over while they waited.

By 1 p.m., when the clinic was supposed to end, the line was still wrapped around the building. People who showed up after the 1 o’clock cut-off time were turned away.

Officials said 2,347 people got either the shot or the nasal mist at Saturday’s clinic.

The vaccine is free, but only people at high risk for flu complications are eligible at this time. In Colorado, that includes an estimated 2 million people, according the state health department.

Dr. Vogt anticipates the demand for the vaccine will be high for a long time to come.

“I have to tell you, running so many clinics over such a short time is a stretch. But, I think we’re going to be able to do it,” Vogt said.