National Infant Immunization Week is April 22-26

Emphasis is on keeping young children on track with vaccinations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 18, 2024

LAS VEGAS –National Immunization Week (NIIW), April 22-26, focuses on protecting children under 2 from vaccine preventable diseases. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) waives immunization administration fees this week for children under age 3 who are underinsured and Vaccine For Children (VFC) eligible. Free giveaways will be available for each child (up to age 3) getting immunized, and families can enter a free raffle to win prizes including a stroller and baby monitor.

On-time vaccination is critical to provide protection against potentially life-threatening diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children stay on track with well-child appointments and routine vaccinations. The CDC’s schedule of recommended Immunizations for birth through 6 years old is available at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-schedules/downloads/parent-ver-sch-0-6yrs.pdf.

In Clark County, 66.4% of children younger than 3 years are immunized for the combined recommended series of vaccines, lower than the nationwide average of 69.7%. District Health Officer Dr. Fermin Leguen said, “Vaccination is a shared responsibility. We must do more as a community to improve our infant immunization rate.”

Because a child’s immune system is not fully developed at birth, babies face a greater risk of becoming infected and getting seriously ill. Vaccines help the immune system learn how to defend against germs.

Recent years have seen a resurgence in certain vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, mumps and pertussis. Vaccines protect not only individuals but the entire community, helping to prevent and reduce the spread of infectious diseases.

During NIIW, infant immunizations are available at the following SNHD locations. Appointments can be scheduled at www.snhd.info/immunizations. For those requiring further assistance scheduling appointments, call (702) 759-0850.

Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed noon – 1 p.m. for lunch)

East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 2950 E. Bonanza Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89101
Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed noon – 1 p.m. for lunch)

Henderson Public Health Center, 220 E. Horizon Dr., Suites A & C, Henderson, NV 89015
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed noon – 1 p.m. for lunch)

Mesquite Public Health Center, 150 N. Yucca St., Suite 5, Mesquite, NV 89027
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (closed noon – 1 p.m. for lunch)

For more information on NIIW, visit National Infant Immunization Week – Southern Nevada Health District.

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.