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‘Tis the season to get vaccinated against flu!

National Influenza Vaccination Week is December 5-11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 3, 2021

LAS VEGAS – The holiday season also means flu season, and both have officially arrived in Clark County. The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting seven confirmed hospitalized cases of influenza, and while flu activity in the state is minimal so far, it typically increases in the community around the holidays. During National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 5-11, the Health District is urging everyone to get vaccinated.

Getting a flu vaccine is especially important this season as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. People can receive their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at the same time. Both vaccines are available at the Health District, at pharmacies, and health care provider offices throughout Clark County.

The Health District offers flu vaccine at its public health centers Monday through Friday. Walk-in clients are accepted at its 280 S. Decatur Blvd. immunization clinic. Appointments are required at the Health District’s other clinic locations. For more information, call the Immunization Clinic at (702) 759-0850 or visit the Flu Vaccine Clinic page.

While the previous flu season (2020-2021) was mild — the Health District reported six flu deaths and 50 hospitalizations — likely due to COVID-19 mitigation measures such as mask wearing, increased participation in remote work and school, and social distancing, it is possible the 2021-2022 influenza season could become more active since many of these activities have been eased as businesses and schools are reopened. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that flu vaccination prevented approximately 7.5 million flu illnesses, 3.7 million flu-associated medical visits, 105,000 flu-related hospitalizations and 6,300 influenza-associated deaths during the 2019-2020 flu season.

“Flu season is always unpredictable with regard to how severe it is and the number of illnesses it causes,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “There’s still plenty of time to get vaccinated before the holidays. National Influenza Vaccination Week is the perfect time to remind Southern Nevadans about the importance of getting vaccinated, especially for people who are older or have medical conditions that put them at a higher risk for serious illness.”

Southern Nevada Influenza Surveillance Snapshots and Influenza Reports by Age Group are posted to the Health District’s website throughout the flu season, and available at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/news-info/statistics-surveillance-reports/influenza-surveillance/.

All influenza vaccines in the United State for the 2021-2022 flu season are quadrivalent, which means they provide protection against four different flu strains. The CDC recommends any licensed, age-appropriate vaccine for people 6 months of age and older and without contraindications. For people over the age of 65, there are flu vaccines developed especially for this population. 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. It takes about two weeks to develop sufficient protection against flu after getting vaccinated. People with questions about which flu vaccine is right for them should contact their health care providers. The CDC has information about the flu vaccine on its  Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine webpage.

Southern Nevada Health District Flu Clinic locations:

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.

2021-12-03T09:51:53-08:00
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