Health District Reminds Parents Kids Under 10 Should Receive 2Nd H1N1 Dose

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 26, 2010

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District reminds parents that 2009 H1N1 vaccine recommendations include a second dose for children between the ages of six months and nine years old. The health district offers the 2009 H1N1 vaccine for free at its immunization clinics Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For information, contact the immunization clinic, (702) 759-0850 or visit www.snhd.info.

Children between the ages of six months old and age nine should receive the second 2009 H1N1 dose four weeks after the first dose or at least 21-28 days later. Parents should bring their children’s H1N1 vaccine record with them when they are to receive the second dose.

The second dose is recommended for children so they develop adequate protection against the 2009 H1N1 influenza strain. Since its identification in April, the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus has become the dominant flu strain this season and it is likely to remain the dominant one for the next several flu seasons. By getting vaccinated now, people can be protected against the strain when it returns in the fall.

Individuals who fall into the originally identified priority groups should receive an H1N1 immunization as they are more likely to develop serious illness or experience complications. H1N1 infection rates were highest among people under the age of 25, including children. Clark County reported two pediatric H1N1-related deaths in 2009.

To date, the Southern Nevada Health District has administered more than 110,000 doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine. It has received 157,100 doses and an additional 369,000 doses have been delivered to private providers throughout Clark County.

Southern Nevada 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, No. Las Vegas

Updated information about the Southern Nevada Health District can be found on Facebook www.facebook.com/SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict, on YouTube www.youtube.com/SNHealthDistrict or Twitter www.twitter.com/SNHDflu.

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.