Southern Nevadans have more chances to Show Flu Who’s Boss this flu season

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 3, 2020

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District has scheduled additional no-cost flu clinics at area high schools making it more convenient for Clark County residents to “Show Flu Who’s Boss” this season and get their flu vaccine. Vaccine is available for both adults and children 6 months of age and older on a first-come, first-served basis, and no appointments are necessary.

“We have stepped up our efforts to ensure flu vaccine is easily accessible to everyone who wants to get vaccinated this flu season,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, Acting Chief Health Officer of the Southern Nevada Health District. “Working with our partners, we are encouraging people to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and our community from the flu.”

Flu vaccinations are recommended every year as the best protection against the flu virus. This year, the importance of getting vaccinated is part of the overall strategy to help ensure medical resources are conserved, and the health care system is not overtaxed as the response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

“We all know getting a flu shot is more important than ever, but this year is an especially crucial year due to the pandemic health crisis,” said Councilman Scott Black, who is also the chair of the Southern Nevada District Board of Health. “Thanks to the proactive work of the team at the Southern Nevada Health District, we are able to bring flu shots directly to our residents. It is my hope that everyone in North Las Vegas who needs a flu shot is able to take advantage of these clinics.”

Upcoming Health District community clinics are scheduled for:

“We encourage all our residents to get a flu shot this year to protect themselves from the flu and to help reduce potential impacts on our health care system in the midst of the pandemic,” said Clark County Commission Chairman Marilyn Kirkpatrick, who serves as vice chair of the Southern Nevada District Board of Health. “Additionally, we encourage everyone to wear face coverings when you are in public places, wash your hands often, and stay home when you are sick. These practices help fight the flu and all viruses including COVID-19.”

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.

“As we head into the flu season, it is my hope that these flu shot clinics will help protect not only our residents, but our Southern Nevada community at large,” said Councilwoman Pamela Goynes-Brown. “Every single person who receives a flu shot this year will help us strengthen our community against a second wave of COVID-19. There is strength in numbers.”

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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (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.

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.