It’s not too late to vaccinate – the Health District urges everyone to get immunized during National Influenza Vaccination Week
National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 3-9
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 4, 2017
LAS VEGAS – With flu activity increasing and family and friends gathering for the holidays, now is a great time to get a flu vaccine if you haven’t already been immunized. National Influenza Vaccination Week is a time to highlight the importance of flu vaccine throughout the holiday season and beyond. The Southern Nevada Health District offers flu shots at its clinics located throughout Clark County. For information about the Health District’s flu vaccine clinics call (702) 759-0850 or visit the agency’s Flu Clinic page.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last season only about 40 percent of those recommended to get a flu vaccine reported getting vaccinated by the end of November. The Health District recently reported the first influenza-related death of a child in the 0-4 age group. There have been 136 confirmed cases of influenza reported to the Health District as of November 25. During the 2016-2017 flu season, Clark County reported 13 deaths, 476 hospitalizations, and 713 confirmed cases.
“We are encouraging people who have not been vaccinated to get their flu shot now,” said Dr. Joe Iser, Chief Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “It is a simple, safe, and effective step you can take to help ensure a healthier and happier holiday season.”
There are many reasons to get a flu vaccine each year. While the effectiveness of the flu vaccine can vary from year to year, it is the best way to prevent the virus as well as serious complications that can occur if you do become ill, including those that can result in hospitalization. Even with vaccine effectiveness in the range of 30 to 60 percent, flu vaccination prevents millions of illnesses and tens of thousands of flu-related hospitalizations each year. For more information visit the CDC’s Disease Burden of Influenza and Vaccine Effectiveness webpages.
CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6-months and older as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal flu viruses. Flu vaccine is available at health care practices and pharmacies in the Las Vegas Valley.
The Health District offers flu shots at the following clinic locations. Clients should arrive by 4 p.m. to allow time for processing:
- Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur 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 – Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. - Southern Nevada Health District Henderson Clinic, 874 American Pacific Dr., Henderson
Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Closed daily 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. - Mesquite Public Health Center, 830 Hafen Lane, Mesquite
Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the flu has caused between 9.2 million and 35.6 million illnesses, between 140,000 and 710,000 hospitalizations, and between 12,000 and 56,000 deaths annually since 2010. For more information visit the CDC’s Disease Burden of Influenza webpage. Flu shots can reduce flu illnesses, doctor visits, missed school and work days as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.
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.