Health District to Offer Saturday Flu Shot Immunization Clinic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 16, 2007

LAS VEGAS, January 16, 2007 – The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) will hold a flu shot and immunization clinic between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Saturday, January 20 at its 625 Shadow Lane location. The health district will offer the traditional flu shot and the inhaled FluMist, both of which are $30. Most childhood immunizations are free, however, an administrative fee of $16 per patient for one immunization and $20 for two or more will be collected. For more information, contact the Southern Nevada Health District’s immunization program, (702) 759-0850 or visit www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org.

“This year we have ample supply of the influenza vaccine and because flu activity has been light, we are still encouraging people to get their shots. Flu season in the Valley generally peaks at the end of January and into February so anyone who gets a shot can still benefit. Flu shots are the best way to prevent yourself from getting sick,” said Dr. Donald S. Kwalick, the health district’s chief health officer. “We will also offer childhood immunizations during the flu shot clinic, so this is an excellent opportunity for parents to bring their children’s immunization status up to date.” Parents must bring immunization records; children with no immunization records will have to begin the immunization sequence from the beginning.

Methods of payment for flu shots include Medicare Part B, Medicare Railroad Part B, Medicaid, Pacific Care, Secure Horizons and Senior Dimensions. Patients must present their insurance or Medicaid card at the time of service. For those not covered or without proof of insurance, the cost for either type of flu vaccination is $30.

Although U.S. immunization rates have climbed in recent years, many children are not up-to-date with their immunizations. According to a recent U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, just 58.8 percent of children younger than 3 years in Clark County are immunized for the combined recommended series of vaccines, the lowest among 28 urban areas sampled.

“For Southern Nevada’s children, up-to-date immunization rates are the best protection we can provide against potentially life-threatening diseases,” added Kwalick.

The Southern Nevada Health District offers childhood and adult immunizations as well as flu shots between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday and Friday at its four public health centers.

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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.