Show Flu Who’s Boss this flu season

No-cost flu vaccines available for everyone 6 months of age and older

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 20, 2020

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District is asking residents to “Show Flu Who’s Boss” this season by getting their flu vaccine. The Health District is hosting two no-cost community flu vaccine clinics at area high schools on Wednesday, October 21 and Wednesday, November 4. Vaccine will be available for both adults and children 6 months of age and older. The clinics will offer 200 doses on a first-come, first-served basis, and no appointments are necessary.

This season it is more important than ever for people to protect themselves, their families, and their community from flu. The Health District is encouraging flu vaccinations to help ensure medical resources are conserved, and the health care system is not overtaxed as the response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Upcoming Health District community clinics are scheduled for:

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. Many of the people at higher risk of complications from the flu are also at higher risk of complications from COVID-19.

This includes people 65 years of age and older, people with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, compromised immune systems, and Blacks and Hispanics
who are already disproportionately impacted by chronic diseases. It is also important to protect people more likely to be exposed to both COVID-19 and flu, 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.

Flu vaccine for people of all ages, including the vaccine for people ages 65 and older, is available at Health District immunization clinics by appointment only. Call (702) 759-0850 for more information.

The most effective way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated every flu season. It is best to get vaccinated before flu viruses begin spreading in the community because it takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for the antibodies to develop and provide protection against the flu. However, people can be vaccinated anytime during flu season.

In addition to getting vaccinated, people should continue to take the following actions to stay healthy this flu season:

• Wear a cloth face covering in public or in groups of ten or more people who don’t live in the same household.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick. Stay home from work, school, and away from public places.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands frequently. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and cloth face covering.
• Practice healthy habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched items. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, drink plenty of water, and eat healthy meals.

For more information and flu resources, go to the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu.

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.