‘Tis the season to be healthy!
National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 1-7
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 3, 2019
LAS VEGAS – ‘Tis the season for holiday parties, travel, family gatherings, and flu! As flu activity begins to increase around the holidays, the demand for flu vaccine typically decreases after November. National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 1-7, highlights the importance of getting vaccinated into December and even later. The Southern Nevada Health District offers the flu vaccine at its public health centers Monday through Friday. For more information, call the Immunization Clinic at (702) 759-0850 or visit the Flu Vaccine Clinic page.
In Southern Nevada, there have been three confirmed flu-related deaths and more than 200 hospitalized cases through mid-November. Last flu season, activity in Southern Nevada peaked in mid-December 2018 and into the first week of January 2019. There were 39 deaths and a total of 968 hospitalizations.
“The severity and number of people who could be affected by the flu season is unpredictable,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, Acting Chief Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “It takes two weeks after getting vaccinated to develop full protection. During National Influenza Vaccination Week, we want to remind everyone that there is still time to get the flu vaccine to be healthy during the holidays and into the New Year. The flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic medical conditions and those who take care of infants too young to get vaccinated.”
There are different types of flu vaccine available for the 2019-2020 flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends any licensed, age-appropriate vaccine for people 6 months of age and older. For people over the age of 65, there are flu vaccines developed especially for older adults. Any age-appropriate flu vaccines are acceptable options if the vaccines designed for seniors are not available. Getting a flu vaccine should not be delayed. People with questions about which flu vaccine is right for them should contact their health care providers. Vaccines are available at locations throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Vaccine manufacturers estimate that there will be between 162 million and 169 million doses available this season. The CDC has information about the flu vaccine on its Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine webpage.
There are many reasons to get a flu vaccine each year. While the effectiveness of the flu vaccine can vary from year to year, it is the best way to prevent the virus as well as the serious complications that can occur if a person does get sick, including those that can result in hospitalization. According to the CDC, a 2017 study showed that flu vaccination reduced deaths, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and length of stay in the ICU, as well as the overall duration of a hospital stay among flu patients. In addition, a 2018 study showed that among adults who were in the hospital with influenza, vaccinated patients were 59 percent less likely to be admitted to an ICU. Among pregnant women, a flu vaccine can protect the baby from the flu for several months after birth; infants younger than 6 months old are too young to receive a flu shot.
The Health District is offering flu shots at its clinics. Please arrive by 4 p.m. to allow time for processing:
- Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas
Monday — Friday, 8 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. - East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 560 N. Nellis Blvd., Suite E12, Las Vegas
Monday — Friday, 8 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. - Southern Nevada Health District Henderson Clinic, 874 American Pacific Dr., Henderson
Monday — Thursday, 8 a.m. — 4:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. — 1 p.m.
Closed daily 1 p.m. — 2 p.m.
By appointment only. Call (702) 759-0960. - Mesquite Public Health Center, 830 Hafen Lane, Mesquite
Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. Closed noon — 1 p.m.
By appointment only. Call (702) 759-1682
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.