Southern Nevada Health District to offer flu shots, Sept. 22

Shots will be available at several outside clinics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 18, 2008

LAS VEGAS – It’s that time of year . . . flu season is just around the corner and the Southern Nevada Health District will begin to offer flu shots to the public at 8 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22. Pneumonia shots will also be available. For more information, contact the health district’s immunization clinic at (702) 759-0850 or visit www.SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict.org or www.flurevolution.com.

There are no anticipated vaccine shortages this season. High-risk individuals include people age 50 and over, pregnant women, individuals between six months old and 49 with certain medical conditions, health care workers, and household contacts of individuals who are at high risk. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2006 revised its recommendations regarding children and now encourages flu vaccinations for children between the ages of six months and 59 months. The health district anticipates that it will be able to offer FluMist in the coming weeks. Anyone who is interested in the inhaled vaccine should contact the health district’s immunization clinic about the availability of FluMist.

Immunizations are available Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at all health district locations:

• Ravenholt Public Health Center, 625 Shadow Lane, Las Vegas
• East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 560 N. Nellis Blvd., Suite E12, Las Vegas
• Henderson Public Health Center, 520 E. Lake Mead Parkway, Henderson
• North Las Vegas Public Health Center, 1820 E. Lake Mead Blvd., Suite F, North Las Vegas
• Spring Valley Public Health Center, 6330 W. Spring Mountain Rd., Ste. C, Las Vegas

(All services at Spring Valley, including immunizations, are available by appointment only. Call 759-0701)

Methods of payment for flu shots include Medicare Part B, Medicare Railroad Part B, Medicaid, or cash (checks are not accepted). Patients must present their insurance card or Medicaid voucher at the time of service. For those not covered or without proof of insurance, the cost for flu vaccination is $30. Pneumonia shots are $45.

The health district reminds residents that it is recommended they get their flu shots early in the season, but it is not necessary to get the vaccine on the very first day it is offered. Flu shots are effective even if individuals wait until December or January. Flu season generally peaks in Southern Nevada in January or February.

The health district has scheduled several additional flu shot clinics in October and November:

Oct. 3 — Noon-3 p.m. — Campaige Place/211 N. 8th St./Las Vegas
Oct. 6 — 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — H2U promoted by Mountain View Hospital/8524 Del Webb Blvd. Corner of Rampart & Del Web/By appointment only 255-5404
Oct. 15 — 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. — Blind Center/1001 N. Bruce St./Las Vegas
Oct. 17 — 9 a.m.-1 p.m. — Searchlight Clinic/200 Wendall Way/Searchlight
Oct. 22 — 10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Dura Community Center/441 E. Bonanza Rd./Las Vegas
Nov. 5 — 10 a.m.-noon — Arturo Cambero/330 N. 13th St./Las Vegas
Nov. 6 — Noon-2 p.m. — H2U promoted by Southern Hills Hospital/9300 W. Sunset Rd./Las Vegas
Nov. 12 — 10 a.m.-noon — H2U promoted by Sunrise Hospital/3101 S. Maryland Pkwy. Ste. 100 (next to Denny’s across from the hospital)/Las Vegas
Nov. 18 — 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Doolittle Community Center/1950 N. “J” St./Las Vegas

For the first time, the Southern Nevada Health District will participate in the nationwide Vote & Vax program where flu shot clinics will be held near polling sites. The clinics are scheduled as follows:

Oct. 18 — 10 a.m.-4p.m. — Boulevard Mall/3528 S. Maryland Pkwy
Oct. 20 — 10 a.m.-4p.m. — Clark County Library/1401 E. Flamingo Rd./Las Vegas
Oct. 21 — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Paseo Verde Library/280 S. Green Valley Pkwy/Henderson
Oct. 24 — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. — MLK Senior Center/2420 N. MLK Blvd., Bldg. B/North Las Vegas
Oct. 25 — 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Chinatown Plaza/4215 Spring Mtn. Rd.
Oct. 27 — 7 a.m.-1 p.m. — Boulder City’s City Hall/401 California/Boulder City
Oct. 28 — 8 a.m.-2 p.m. — Moapa Valley Community Center/320 N. Moapa Valley Blvd./Overton
Oct. 29 — 8 a.m.-1 p.m. — Mesquite Campus Old Library/150 N. Yucca/Mesquite
Oct. 30 — 9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Doolittle Community Center/1950 N. “J” St./Las Vegas

Currently, there is no flu activity in Clark County, and people have ample time to receive a vaccination. Those wishing to avoid the initial rush can be assured flu vaccine is in sufficient supply, and can delay their visit until the middle of November.

To further prevent the spread of the virus: avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home if you’re sick, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Visit the Media Contacts webpage for media related inquiries.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.