Passport to Immunizations & Health Fair, May 3

Health fair caps National Infant Immunization Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 24, 2014

LAS VEGAS – Are your tots up to date on their shots? The Southern Nevada Health District and United Way of Southern Nevada’s Young Philanthropists Society are sponsoring the 3rd Passport to Immunizations and Health Fair, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sat., May 3 at the health district’s main public health center, 330 S. Valley View Blvd., at the corner of Meadows Lane. The event caps this year’s National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), April 26 – May 3. This free event will offer no cost childhood immunizations for eligible children up to age 36 months, health screenings, and family resources information. Parents should bring their children’s immunization records. For more information about the clinic or immunization services, contact the Southern Nevada Health District’s immunization clinic, (702) 759-0850 or www.SNHD.info.

Dental and vision screenings for children and information about local family resources will be available. Photos with Star Wars characters will be available from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (while supplies last). In the 2012 National Immunization Survey, a vaccine coverage survey of kids, the state’s ranking improved to 39th for vaccine coverage of kids between 19 and 35 months old. Immunizations are considered one of the most important public health advances of the past century and have reduced infant deaths and disability from preventable diseases in the United States. Several milestones have been reached in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases among infants and adults worldwide through immunization efforts:

In 2005, rubella was eliminated in the United States.
In 2000, naturally occurring measles was eliminated in the United States.
In 1994, polio was eliminated in the Americas.
In 1980, smallpox was declared eradicated globally.
The National Immunization Survey shows childhood immunization rates are at or near record highs.

For those who can’t make it to the event the health district regularly offers immunizations at its public health centers Service hours vary, check the health district website or call the immunization clinic for more information. An administrative fee of $16 per child for one shot or $25 per child for two or more shots will be collected. It is recommended that children with medical coverage that includes immunizations should visit their healthcare provider as the full immunization cost will be collected at the time of service.

Immunization services are available at the following health district locations:

Main public health center, 330 S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas
North Las Vegas Public Health Center, 955 W. Craig Rd., Ste. 103D, North Las Vegas (North Las Vegas is closed daily from 12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. for lunch)
East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 560 N. Nellis Blvd., Ste. E12, Las Vegas
Henderson Public Health Center, 520 E. Lake Mead Parkway, Henderson
Mesquite Public Health Center, 830 Hafen Lane, Mesquite
(Mesquite offers Nursing services on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and is closed from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. for lunch)

About United Way of Southern Nevada
United Way of Southern Nevada works to build a healthier community and to advance the common good through a focus on Education, Health and Financial Stability, the building blocks of a good life. With an extensive network of donors, volunteers and community leaders, the United Way brings together the passion, expertise, and resources needed to affect positive change in our community. Together, person by person, the United Way’s collaborative power is building a more solid community fabric, connecting impassioned advocates who truly LIVE UNITED for a better Southern Nevada. For more information on how to get involved, please visit www.uwsn.org.

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.