For immediate release
January 7, 2010
National Influenza Vaccination Week, Jan. 11-15
LAS VEGAS – During National Influenza Vaccination Week, Jan. 11-15, the Southern Nevada Health District continues to offer 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine for free to the general public and encourages people in the previously identified priority groups to receive their immunization. H1N1 vaccine is available between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at the health district’s public health centers. Special materials for children, health care providers, seniors and the general public will also be available at the clinic. For additional information, contact the immunization clinic, (702) 759-0850, visit the health district website, www.SNHD.info or call the Nevada Helpline, (702) 759-INFO (4636).
Since its emergence in April, the H1N1 influenza strain is the dominant flu virus seen across the country and in Southern Nevada. This fall, there were more than 3,400 lab-confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza.
“Although influenza is difficult to predict, it is believed that H1N1 will be the dominant strain for the next several flu seasons as long as the virus does not change, and so far, it has remained unchanged. During National Influenza Vaccination Week the health district is encouraging people to get immunized now to protect against the strain next season,” said Dr. Lawrence Sands, chief health officer. “The vaccine is available at the health district for free and we have an adequate supply. Southern Nevadans can also check with their health care providers or visit local pharmacies to receive their immunization.”
Seasonal and H1N1 influenza vaccinations are especially recommended for health care workers, people who live with or care for babies younger than six months old, anyone with a compromised immune system or a chronic medical condition and pregnant women. In addition, younger people were included in the initial priority groups as people younger than 25 are particularly susceptible to becoming more seriously ill when they are infected.
National Influenza Vaccination Week is also an excellent opportunity for children younger than 10 years old to receive their recommended second dose of the H1N1 vaccine. The CDC recommends that children younger than 10 receive a second dose of the vaccine at least 28 days after their initial dose so they receive adequate immunity against H1N1.
The Southern Nevada Health District has inhaled and injectable doses of vaccine available. The inhaled vaccine is approved for healthy people between the ages of 2 and 49, who are not pregnant.
“The inhaled vaccine is an excellent immunization that has been administered to the public for several years as a seasonal flu vaccine. Since we began to offer H1N1 vaccine, we have administered more than 100,000 doses, including 50,000 doses of the intranasal vaccine,” said Sands.
The Southern Nevada Health District’s public health centers are located:
- Ravenholt Public Health Center, 625 Shadow Lane, Las Vegas
- East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 560 N. Nellis Blvd., Suite E12, Las Vegas
- Henderson Public Health Center, 520 E. Lake Mead Parkway, Henderson
- North Las Vegas Public Health Center, 1820 E. Lake Mead Blvd., Suite F, North Las Vegas
National Influenza Vaccination Week Schedule of Events
Ravenholt Public Health Center
625 Shadow Lane
Monday, January 11, 2010
Flu information will be available throughout the week for clients. Materials include seasonal flu recommendations and “Is it a cold of the flu” handouts.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Children receiving vaccine will receive a flu coloring book, a childhood immunization schedule and stickers.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Health care workers receiving vaccine will be provided with informational materials including recommended vaccinations for health care providers, adult immunization record, and pneumonia vaccination guidelines.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Seniors attending the clinic will receive materials with recommendations for seniors, interactive games and prizes and a pneumonia vaccine guide.
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