Updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines now available at Health District clinics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 24, 2024

LAS VEGAS – Updated 2024-2025 flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are now available at Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) clinics. The vaccines can be administered at the same time, and SNHD is recommending everyone eligible get their updated vaccines to protect against more serious illness from COVID-19 and flu this upcoming respiratory season.

Flu Vaccine Recommendations

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. It is especially important for those at higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu. This includes people 65 years of age and older, as well as people with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease and compromised immune systems. It is also important to protect people more likely to be exposed to both flu and COVID-19, including health care workers and essential workers who interact frequently with the public. A complete list of people at higher risk is available on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm.

There were 88 deaths, and 1,403 hospitalizations attributed to influenza in Clark County during the 2023-2024 season, far more than the 2022-2023 flu season, which recorded 48 deaths and 859 hospitalizations. During the 2023-2024 season, 47.8% of the flu hospitalizations and 79.5% of the deaths were persons 65 years of age or older. Flu surveillance in Clark County for the 2024-2025 influenza season begins September 29 and runs through May 17. The weekly Influenza Surveillance Snapshot and Influenza Report by Age Group will be available on SNHD’s website beginning in October.

The Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) recommends getting vaccinated before flu viruses begin spreading in the community, because it takes about two weeks after vaccination for the antibodies to develop and provide protection against the flu. However, people can be vaccinated anytime during flu season. People should follow the recommended schedule for all vaccines and refer to current guidelines from the CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get at least one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine. The two mRNA vaccines, Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech, have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The updated vaccines are expected to work well against currently circulating variants of COVID-19.

According to the CDC, the virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing, and protection from COVID-19 vaccines declines over time. Updated vaccines provide the best protection from the strains of the virus that are currently circulating. For information about staying on track with vaccines, visit Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines | COVID-19 | CDC.

The COVID-19 and flu vaccines are covered by most health plans, including private insurance, Medicare plans and Medicaid plans. Uninsured children and uninsured adults also have access through the Vaccines for Children Program and State 317 Adult Vaccine Program, respectively.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available at SNHD public health centers by appointment. To make an appointment go to www.snhd.info/immunizations or call (702) 759-0850. Clinic locations include:

Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107
East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 2950 E. Bonanza Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89107
Fremont Public Health Center, 2830 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV 89104
Boulevard Mall (in El Mercado), 3528 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89169
Henderson Public Health Center, 220. E. Horizon Dr., Suites, A & C, Henderson, NV 89015
Mesquite Public Health Center/Jimmie Hughes Campus, 150 N. Yucca St., Suites, 3&4, Mesquite, NV 89027

For more information about SNHD public health center hours, locations and available services, go to www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/about-us/maps/. COVID-19 and flu vaccines are also available at pharmacies and health care provider offices throughout Southern Nevada. To locate a COVID-19 vaccine clinic, visit COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution – Southern Nevada Health District | COVID-19.

SNHD is also recommending preventive measures to help people mitigate the spread of flu, COVID and other respiratory viruses:

Wash hands frequently with soap and running water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Stay home when sick and limit contact with others.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Throw the tissue away after using it.
Take a COVID-19 test if flu-like symptoms develop.
Take antiviral drugs for flu if prescribed by a doctor.

For more information about respiratory illnesses, visit Respiratory Illnesses | CDC.

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.