TEHACHAPI, Calif. -- Kern County's Department of Public Health held its first H1N1 vaccine clinic in the city of Tehachapi, but many were surprised by the small turnout.

The line was long, running for about a city block, but for people who decided to show up and wait in line, they were expecting a bigger crowd.

Mariel Mehdipour with the Department of Public Health said the turnout could be affected by many things.

"It could be a lot of different reasons," said Mehdipour. "Besides the health department, there are private providers also providing this vaccine, it could be location, it could be any number of reasons. It’s Monday, it’s a work day that could be another reason."

Sheryl Hopkins was the first in line, she showed up at 4:15 a.m.

She said after seeing the lines at other clinics she wanted to show up early to guarantee herself a vaccination.

"I've seen the lines everywhere on all the other flu shots and it was really important. I have underlying disorders so it was very important to get here," said Hopkins.

But while some people stood in line for their own health, others wanted to get the vaccine to make sure they didn’t get their loved ones sick.

Resident Mary Roberts said, "It’s was important that my son got vaccinated since my ex-husband has MS. He takes immune fighting drugs so if my son gets it, by ex-husband could die. So, that’s why were all down here for the shot.”

Roberts called her son out of school in order to get the vaccine but she said she was surprised more parents didn’t do the same.

“I was surprised at how many parents didn’t. There really aren’t that many children here at this clinic. There are lots of little kids, but I don’t think it was advertised very well for Tehachapi," said Roberts.

While the line for Tehachapi’s clinic wasn’t as long as others, the Mehdipour said the Department of Public Health is pleased with the turnout.

“They are actually really responding to our message of health and prevention. We have really been focusing in on the Three C’s campaign; cover your cough, clean your hands and confine yourself at home if you are sick, but they also know the shots are part of the key to prevention.”

The Department of Public Health had 800 H1N1 vaccines available Monday in Tehachapi and as of the afternoon, they hadn’t run out.

They even kept the clinic open longer then planned.