RANKIN INLET - CUTLINE #1 (list slug of photo): 1111fluz More than 800 people received their vaccination against the H1N1 flu virus in Rankin Inlet this past week.

The regular seasonal flu shot was also available during the three-day clinic.

A second clinic is being offered this week in Rankin from Nov. 10-12.

The H1N1 vaccine has been the subject of controversy.

Despite the fact the vast majority of health officials strongly advocate its use, there have been conflicting reports on the vaccine, and the virus, during the past six months, which have turned many people away from the vaccine.

Rankin's Gabe Karlik is one person who decided against the vaccination after researching it on the Internet.

He said the main reason he decided against getting the shot is, in his opinion, many of the reports on the strength of H1N1 have been greatly exaggerated.

"After reading reports from around the world on this virus, it doesn't appear to me to be any stronger than a normal flu virus other than it can take a little longer to get over," said Karlik.

"I also did a lot of research online.

"There was a lot of information out there on it and a lot of it wasn't good.

"A lot of people seemed to be suspicious because it appeared as though the patent for the vaccine was already set a year before the whole H1N1 thing happened."

Karlik also passed on the regular flu shot.

He said he's been fortunate when it comes to flu season and doesn't want to do anything differently this year.

"I never get the regular flu shot because I've never had the flu in my life, to the best of my memory.

"I've had strep throat a few times, but never the flu.

"So, I don't want to change anything because my system seems to do a pretty good job warding off the flu on its own."

Kelly Adams was among the more than 800 who did receive the H1N1 shot.

He said he also got the regular flu shot this year.

"H1N1 is going around right now and I got the vaccination to stay healthy, plain and simple," said Adams.

"I hear all the fears about the vaccine left, right and centre, but I have absolutely no worries about it.

"My arm was a little tender the day after getting the shot, but, other than that, no problems at all."

Adams said, in his opinion, most of the negative information circulating on the H1N1 vaccine is just silliness.

He said too many people are commenting on the vaccine who don't know what they're talking about, and they should keep their comments to themselves.

"It all got a little crazy, as far as I'm concerned, because people should look after themselves.

"You listen to what the World Health Organization has to say, and all the top health officials support the vaccine.

"They're just trying to look out for everybody, and I don't know what any kind of conspiracy would be all about.

"I got my shots to stay healthy because I have to work for a living."