SNHD - Flu vaccine now available

OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

September 13, 2022

Flu vaccine now available at Southern Nevada Health District clinics

LAS VEGAS – The flu vaccine is here and available at Southern Nevada Health District clinics. Flu vaccines are updated each season, and the Health District is encouraging everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated before flu viruses begin circulating in the community.

While the severity of the 2021-2022 influenza season was low, the Health District reported 13 flu deaths and 411 hospitalizations in Clark County residents. This past season, the agency extended its flu surveillance activities through June, as the community, along with the rest of the United States, was experiencing higher case rates, influenza-like illness (ILI) rates, and hospitalization rates than what was typically expected for that time of the season. The increased rates were due to a second wave of influenza A activity.

“Each flu season is unique, and everyone eligible to get a flu vaccine should get vaccinated each year to avoid getting sick and spreading the virus to others,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “The vaccines are safe, effective and your very best protection from the flu,” said Dr. Leguen.

Flu vaccines are available at Health District public health centers by appointment. To make an appointment go to https://vax4nv.nv.gov/s/vaccine-type or call (702) 759-0850.

Flu vaccines can be administered at the same time as COVID-19 and monkeypox vaccines or other immunizations. However, people should follow the recommended schedule for all vaccines.

The Health District is offering flu shots at its clinics. Vaccines are available by appointment only at the following locations.

·         Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107

·         East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 2950 E. Bonanza Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89107

·         Henderson Public Health Center, 220. E. Horizon Dr., Suites, A & C, Henderson, NV 89015

·         Mesquite Public Health Center/Jimmie Hughes Campus, 150 N. Yucca St., Suites, 3&4, Mesquite, NV 89027

For more information about Health District public health center hours, locations and available services go to www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/about-us/maps/.

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 and compromised immune systems. 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.

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.

For more information about flu, including updated recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), go to www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm.