By KEITH UPCHURCH

kupchurch@heraldsun.com; 419-6612

DURHAM -- The mood was upbeat Wednesday as those at the swine flu clinic praised the speed and efficiency that health department workers did their jobs.

"Things went wonderful,'' said John Carter of Durham as he left the National Guard Armory with his handicapped son, 38-year-old John Carter Jr., after they got their shots. "No complaints. I was just thrilled to get the shot.''

Carrissa Dixon of Durham said she waited about an hour with her son, 5-year-old Samuel, who was getting his second dose, which is recommended for children under 10.

"This is much, much better than the two and half hours from last time'' in October when Samuel got his first vaccine at the Hillandale Staff Development Center, she said.

Loyda Marquez of Durham brought her two children, 4-year-old Jonathan and 7-year-old Arianna, to get the nasal spray vaccine. "He [Jonathan] got kind of scared because of the group of people, but then he was fine,'' she said.

"They did a great job,'' Marquez said. "The line moved very fast, and we were out within an hour.''

Another mother, Shannon Bennett of Durham, was with her two daughters, 5-year-old Alexis, who was getting her second vaccination, and 10-year-old Casey, who got hers earlier.

"I think this clinic is very important,'' Bennett said. "I would rather have it at my doctor's office, but it's very important.''

Elizabeth Benson of Durham brought sons Josh and Zack for their follow-up vaccinations.

"It's the nasal mist, not the shots,'' she said. "And that's why everybody is happy.''