GASTONIA, N.C. -- The Gaston County Health Department is working to combat the swine flu by doling out vaccines at county schools this week.

However, there are more students signed up to get the vaccine than there are doses available.

Out of the 32,000 students enrolled in Gaston County Schools, about 8,600 turned in paperwork necessary to get vaccinated. But the county health department only has about 1,400 vaccines available.

The first doses are going to schools that were identified as hot spots for the flu based on hospital data. Early Monday, 108 students at York Chester Middle School received the vaccine. Shots will also be given Monday at Lingerfelt Elementary, Rhyne Elementary, Southwest Middle and Hunter Huss High.

Shots on Tuesday will be at Woodhill Elementary, Brookside Elementary, Carr Elementary and North Gaston High. Finally, on Wednesday, students at Webb Street, Beacon Hall and Warlick will be vaccinated with any remaining doses.

Health officials said they are hoping to receive more doses this week. They ordered 100,000 doses in September, but supply has been short everywhere because of production delays.

This is the largest public health initiative in the county’s history, and health officials said it’s an important one. They said if the swine flu spreads fast, it will be because of the spread among high-risk groups, which includes people under the age of 25.

“That would lead us to go into the schools, because where are your children? In the schools,” said nurse Cynthia Stitt.

Students said they’re relieved to get the vaccine.

“I think it’s good because then everybody can feel protected and don’t have to worry,” said York Chester Middle student Ryan Ford.

Students at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte were also able to receive swine flu vaccinations on Monday. They were being offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The doses were given out now at the Barnhardt Student Activity Center until 6 p.m.

Any remaining vaccines will be given out Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.