Roanoke Catholic School administrators said classes for eighth through 12th grades will be canceled through Friday given a widespread flulike illness.

"A high percentage" of students have been recently absent from school, citing symptoms of the flu, school administrators said in a letter to parents Tuesday.

Lower school classes will be held as scheduled, the letter said.

Meanwhile, varsity, junior varsity and middle school sports activities also were canceled through Friday. Teachers were scheduled to report to school as usual, and classes were expected to be made up later this month or in early November.

As concerns for flu viruses grow, the Virginia Department of Health announced the first shipments of H1N1 influenza vaccine.

The department told The Associated Press on Tuesday that 83,700 doses of a nasal-mist vaccine have been delivered to hospitals, clinics and local health departments.