The number of flu-related deaths in North Carolina continues to rise.

According to the state's health department, 45 people have died because of the flu since late September. And about 500 people were hospitalized for influenza-like illness last week alone.

But more people in the Triangle are getting access to the H1N1 vaccine, which health officials say could prevent more deaths and hospitalizations.

Durham's health department held its sixth walk-in flu clinic Wednesday afternoon. The lines wrapped around the building. And more than 1,500 people received the vaccine.

Starting next Tuesday, the department will vaccinate people by appointment only.

Durham's public health department is vaccinating people in high risk groups, including children, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions.

At Shaw University in Raleigh, all students and staff could get the vaccine Wednesday. More than 500 were vaccinated.

"I had been wanting to get it. But I just never knew where it was offered and I didn't really take the time to find out. So the fact that it was here was... I was so excited," said student Angelique Colen.

No one at the university has a confirmed case of H1N1. But the school nurse says the risk is there.

"Our kids come from all over. And then they go out and they come back in and they don't know who they're visiting with," said nurse Evangeline January.

Still, some students are reluctant to get the vaccine.

"I'm pretty healthy. I'm not worried about getting sick," said student Alicia Hill.