Got a flu shot?
National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 5-11
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 2, 2010
LAS VEGAS – The holidays are approaching. Have you gotten a flu shot? The Southern Nevada Health District encourages everyone to protect themselves and their loved ones during the holiday season by getting a flu shot. National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 5-11, is an opportunity to remind people that flu shots are beneficial and affective even if they are received in December and January. The health district offers traditional flu shots, the inhaled FluMist, and the new high-dose shot for people 65 and older. The traditional flu shot and the inhaled vaccine are free of charge, the high-dose flu shot is $50. Immunizations are available Monday – Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For additional information, contact the Southern Nevada Health District’s immunization program, (702) 759-0850 or visit www.SNHD.info.
Immunizations are available at the following 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
- Mesquite Public Health Center, 830 Hafen Lane, Mesquite, Tue/Thu 8 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
There are no vaccine shortages and the health district encourages everyone to get a flu shot, especially high-risk individuals including people age 50 and over, pregnant women, individuals over the age of six months with chronic medical conditions, health care workers, and household contacts of individuals who are at high risk. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that anyone over the age of six months old should receive an annual flu shot.
This year’s flu shot includes the 2009 H1N1 influenza strain. The health district also offers the new high-dose flu shot for people 65 and older. This is the first year this vaccine is available and it is developed to induce a stronger immune response in older people. It is only approved for people 65 and over and the health district advises people to speak with their healthcare providers to determine if the new high-dose vaccine is an option for them.
The health district has administered more than 18,000 doses since October. In Southern Nevada, flu season typically begins in late December and peaks in January or February; the season can continue until May.
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/SNHDinfo.
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.