SARATOGA COUNTY — Saratoga County health officials are reporting “pockets” of H1N1 influenza cases and say immunization clinics are filling to overflowing as residents seek protection.

Terry Stortz, the county’s director of preventive health services, said the death of a 7-year-old Shenendehowa pupil earlier this month has not been confirmed as a case of H1N1 — or swine flu — but it is suspected.

“Health care providers are not testing across the board for H1N1,” she said. “There has been an increase in people with influenza-like symptoms and the prevalent flu now is H1N1.”

The Shenendehowa School District Web site on Nov. 4 had a posting about the death of the elementary school student.

“The Shenendehowa community is mourning the tragic death of one of our Okte students, Trevor Lin. He was a thoughtful, bright and well-liked little boy and he will be greatly missed. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and all those who were fortunate enough to know him,” the posting says.

Stortz said pockets of flu have been reported throughout the county.

“It’s very sporadic,” she said. “Vaccinations are starting to come in and [distribution] clinics fill to overflowing.”

The county is urging interested residents to make appointments when clinics are announced. Morning and afternoon clinics scheduled for Friday at the health department offices in Saratoga Springs are filled to capacity with appointments.

“People show up without appointments and sometimes we try not to turn anyone away, but we are looking to treat people in the priority categories first,” Stortz said.

Pregnant women, anyone age 6 months to 24 years old and child care providers are considered the priority population.

Stortz said different vaccines are preferable for different ages and health conditions and the county never knows what it has until it opens a box of vaccines.

“We’re getting varying degrees of supplies. We ordered certain types, but the deliveries are a variety of types. Some are mist, some have preservatives and some don’t, some supplies are only for people 18 and older,” she said. “We’re trying to address the supply.”

Meanwhile, the state Department of Health reports 38 deaths associated with H1N1 have been reported in New York State outside of New York City since April 24. Of those, 12 were since Sept. 1.