More than 50 first responders and medical professionals took advantage of the first mass H1N1 vaccination in Port Arthur this morning.

12 News Reporter Liz McKernan was at the Port Arthur Health Department to see the first H1N1 shot administered.

"We certainly don't need to have it being spread by healthcare providers" said Dr. William George.

George was the first of many to receive his H1N1 flu vaccination at the Port Arthur Health Department.

A number of emergency responders followed suit rolling up their uniform sleeves to get protected from the virus.

"For us - the things we do on the street that we deal with on a day to day basis - I think its important" said Lieutenant Jon Carona.

As important as it is, and as relieved as health officials are to have it, Port Arthur Health officials say they're still waiting on more vaccines for high risk categories among the public.

"We're prepared for a long flu season" said Judith Smith of the Port Arthur Health Department.

"We will have enough vaccine so those people who really want it will be able to receive it - its just coming in a little bit slower than we anticipated" added Smith.

Department managers plan on having enough supply to start organizing more public availability to those high-risk categories. they have already started giving the first round of the nasal inoculation to kids under nine.

"I'm relieved now I don't have to worry about it" said David Nguyn, father of a young child.

But for the rest of the first responders loading their arms with protection they're just happy to get the shot before heading back to work.

"You know if something terrible was to happen across the country - at least the 1st responders are going to be vaccinated and ready to do their job" added Carona.

The Port Arthur Health Department plans on administering the vaccine to first responders for the rest of the week before making plans to vaccinate the next high-risk group over the next few weeks.