ONEIDA COUNTY, N.Y. (WKTV) - As Oneida County confirms its eight death related to the H1N1 influenza, health officials said the demand for the H1N1 vaccine has been less than anticipated, and reports of flu-like illnesses throughout the county and absenteeism rates in area schools are all on the decline.

"There can be several possible explanations for the response to date," said Daniel Gilmore, acting director of the Oneida County Health Department. "some people might feel the threat has passed since reported cases of flu-like illness in Oneida County and throughout the nation are on the decline. Some students may have already gotten the vaccine from their primary care provider or at one of our scheduled clinics. Others might be among that group of individuals that just doesn't feel the vaccine is necessary or safe."

The virus has been confirmed in this case of an adult Oneida County resident with an underlying medical condition. The adult died within the past 15 days, Gilmore said.

Gilmore said roughly 30% of the registered students in three school district, including Holland Patent, Adirondack, and Rome Catholic received the H1N1 vaccine. The first district where the program was held, Remsen Central Schools, saw about 40% of the 505 students in that district vaccinated.

More information on H1N1 influenza and a list of immunization clinics can be found on the health department's web site or by calling the flu hotline at 315-798-3600.