Health District to offer flu shots, Sept. 23
Offers 4-strain vaccine for the first time
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 18, 2013
LAS VEGAS – This flu season the Southern Nevada Health District offers the newly available quadrivalent influenza vaccine, which protects against four strains of the flu. Health district clinics will begin at 8 a.m., Monday, Sept. 23. This is the first time the health district will offer the four-strain vaccine and it is the only type of vaccine that will be available for adults. The four-strain inhaled vaccine is available for healthy children and adults between the ages of 2 and 49. Some injectable vaccines available for children between the ages of 6 months and 35 months who qualify for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program will be the traditional, three-strain immunization. The quadrivalent shots are $40, the inhaled mist is $43 and both will be available at all health district locations. For more information, contact the health district’s immunization clinic at (702) 759-0850 or visit www.SNHD.info.
The quadrivalent vaccine provides additional protection than the more traditional immunization because it includes two influenza A strains and two influenza B strains. Most vaccine offers protection against two influenza A strains and one influenza B strain. For the upcoming flu season, all inhaled mist vaccine will be a quadrivalent immunization across the country. Anyone with questions regarding which vaccine is right for him or her should contact a health care provider. There are no anticipated shortages of vaccine this season and immunizations are available at a variety of locations.
It is recommended that everyone 6 months of age and older get a yearly flu vaccination. The health district encourages everyone to get flu vaccinations, especially persons at high-risk of complications from the flu including children younger than 5 (children younger than 2 years old are at highest risk), adults 65 years of age and older, and pregnant women.
Immunizations are also available at the following health district locations:
- Main Public Health Center, 330 S. Valley View Blvd.
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 560 N. Nellis Blvd., Suite E12, Las Vegas
Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. - Henderson Public Health Center, 520 E. Lake Mead Parkway, Henderson
Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. - North Las Vegas Public Health Center, 955 W. Craig Rd., Suite 103D, North Las Vegas
Monday – Friday, 8a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. - Mesquite Public Health Center, 830 Hafen Lane, Mesquite
Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. – noon, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
A flu immunization clinic is scheduled in Laughlin for Nevada residents only, Friday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 3080 S. Needles Highway, Suite, 1800.
Flu vaccines are covered under the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Methods of payment for flu vaccine include Medicare Part B, Medicare Railroad Part B, Medicaid, Nevada Medicaid and Nevada Check-Up, Amerigroup Community Care Medicaid and Check-Up, and HPN Medicaid and Check-Up. The health district will accept debit or credit cards as well as cash. (checks are not accepted). Clients must present their Medicare insurance card or Medicaid voucher at the time of service.
Flu shots are also recommended for people with certain medical conditions including:
- Asthma
- Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions [including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury].
- Chronic lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and cystic fibrosis)
- Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease)
- Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)
- Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus)
- Kidney disorders
- Liver disorders
- Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders)
- Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids)
- People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
- People who are morbidly obese (Body Mass Index, or BMI, of 40 or greater)
To help 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.
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.