ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. -- The Florida Department of Health said Thursday a 45-year-old St. Johns County man has died from the H1N1 virus.

Health officials said the number of H1N1 deaths in the state has risen to 131, while there have been 912 hospitalizations of persons who contracted the virus.

The Clay County Health Department announced Thursday its plan to provide H1N1 vaccinations in schools has been delayed due to slow vaccine availability.

Other local counties have begun administering the vaccine in the form of nasal spray or shot.

Certain groups are being given priority to the vaccine, including pregnant women, health care workers, people who live with or care for infants less than 6 months of age, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and individuals 25 to 64 years old who are at risk for H1N1 swine flu due to chronic health conditions.

Officials said though the number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue to rise, there is no evidence that the virus has changed to a more virulent form.

The State Surgeon General provided these recommendations:

People with respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community.

Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Wash your hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.

People experiencing cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician.

If you think you have influenza, call your health care provider and discuss whether you need to be seen in their office, emergency department or stay home.

For more information, call the Florida Flu Information Line at 1-877-352-3581 or go www.myflusafety.com.