Baltimore City has opened up the H1N1 flu vaccine clinics to all comers, and this reporter got her shot today. I already got the seasonal flu shot. As someone who frequents emergency rooms, doctors' offices and other places where there are all kinds of bugs, I thought I shouldn't take any chances or waste any time getting some protection.

I went to the main library on Cathedral Street and it was a packed house. They were offering both H1N1 and seasonal shots for free to residents. I was #422 and I got there at noon. That was just halfway through the 10 a.m.-2 p.m. clinic (though the workers said they were surely staying until 3 or 4). But the line moved. I was there a little over an hour, including a few minutes of standing around time afterward to make sure I didn't have an allergic reaction. I didn't. In fact, I feel nothing at all. I think that's good.

There are some more city clinics planned by the Baltimore City Health Department:

-Saturday, Dec. 12: Coppin State University, Health and Human Services Building, 2601 W. North Ave., from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Limited onsite parking is available. 

-Tuesday, Dec. 15: Zeta Center, 4501 Reisterstown Road (21215), from 3 p.m.-8 p.m.

-Friday, Dec. 18: Waxter Center for Senior Citizens, 1000 Cathedral St. (21201), from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

-The Bureau of Immunization will continue to dispense flu vaccine at two standing immunization clinics: Eastern Health District Center, 620 N. Caroline St., and the offices, located at 1800 N. Charles St. (6th floor).

The state now has ordered almost 1.6 million doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine and seems to finally have enough to go around. For those not living in the city, go to www.flu.maryland.gov for a list of local health departments and their clinics.