BARRINGTON — As anxiety over H1N1 sweeps the state, clinics distributing seasonal flu vaccine have become overrun with people looking to guard themselves against the virus.

The majority of flu clinics throughout the East Bay — some scheduled more than a month in advance — have been canceled. However there have been a handful of clinics that have quietly provided the vaccine to those people willing to search them out.

Barrington’s Rite Aid was one of the few clinics that had dosages last week. According to a store employee, the flu clinic, run by Maxim Healthcare, was scheduled “well in advance” but there were only 120 vaccinations available prompting people to stand in line for over an hour.

The store did not advertise the flu clinics with signs, possibly because it could have become mobbed, speculated a store employee.

“We only had a limited amount today,” said the employee.

Two nurses managed the long line trailing towards the back of the store and accepted almost every form of health insurance, except United Healthcare. If someone without insurance wanted the vaccine, it cost $30.

Mary Gallagher, a teacher from Riverside who teaches in the East Providence school system, was scheduled for the Oct. 27 flu clinic at East Providence High School. The clinic was canceled after the provider ran out of vaccine.

Because she works with children, she said it was important for her to get vaccinated.

“I want the flu shot. What can I do?” she said.

Riverside resident Cindy Ricci said she was going to her and her son a vaccine two weeks ago at the East Providence Senior Center but the Visiting Nurses Association of Rhode Island ran out of the vaccine. To find the clinic she searched online.

“I Googled it and found the clinic at Rite Aid,” said Ms. Ricci.

Vaccinated in the past to guard herself against developing bronchitis, Ms. Ricci said she was more concerned about getting a flu shot for her and her son. However, it was much harder to find open clinics this year.

“There’s a heck of a lot more people here,” said Ms. Ricci.

According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, most flu cases this year have been caused by H1N1, not the seasonal flu. They will be giving out seasonal flu vaccines as more becomes available. Shortages occurred after three major distribution companies told the state they would not be able to deliver vaccines.

Beginning in about two weeks, H1N1 flu clinics (see list here) will be held throughout the state to school children.

We have also collected resources and links for more information on H1N1 and seasonal flu.

The Rhode Island Department of Health has scheduled school-based H1N1 vaccination clinics to occur over a 28-day period starting in the first week of November.

Scheduled H1N1 clinics:

Barrington:

Primrose Hill School Monday, Nov. 2

Nayatt School Friday, Nov. 6

Hampden Meadows School, Friday, Nov. 13

St. Andrew's School Wednesday, Nov. 13,

Barrington Christian Academy Wednesday, Nov. 13

Barrington Middle School Tuesday, Dec. 1

St. Luke School Tuesday, Dec 1

Barrington High School Saturday, Dec. 7

Sowams Elementary School Sunday, Dec. 8

Bristol

Guiteras School, Wednesday, Nov. 4

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Tuesday, Nov. 10

Rockwell School Tuesday, Nov. 17

Colt Andrews School Monday, Nov. 30

Mount Hope High School Monday, Nov. 30

Warren

Kickemuit Middle School Friday, Nov. 13

East Bay Career Academy Thurday, Nov. 19

Our Lady Of Fatima High School Tuesday, Dec. 8

Hugh Cole School Thursday, Dec. 10