Southern Nevada Health District to Offer Seasonal Flu Shots
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 10, 2009
LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District will begin to offer seasonal flu shots to the public at 8 a.m. Monday, Sept. 14. Flu shots are $30. Pneumonia shots will also be available. For more information, contact the health district’s immunization clinic at (702) 759-0850 or visit www.SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict.org.
There are no anticipated vaccine shortages of the seasonal flu shots this season and the health district encourages everyone to get a flu shot, especially high-risk individuals including people age 50 and over, pregnant women, individuals between six months old and 49 with certain medical conditions, health care workers, and household contacts of individuals who are at high risk. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2006 revised its recommendations regarding children and now encourages flu vaccinations for children between the ages of six months and 59 months.
The health district reminds the community that although the H1N1 influenza virus continues to circulate, it is important to remember that the seasonal influenza virus will also circulate throughout the upcoming fall and winter months. The seasonal flu shots will prevent against the more common strain, it will not protect against the H1N1 strain. The anticipated arrival date for the H1N1 vaccine is mid to late October. The initial delivery will have limited supply of the vaccine which will be used to vaccinate those most at risk for complications. These high priority groups have been designated by the CDC and differ from high risk groups identified during the regular flu season. Updated information, including priority groups for the H1N1 vaccine will be posted to the health district website.
Immunizations are available Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at all health district locations:
- 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
Methods of payment for flu shots include Medicare Part B, Medicare Railroad Part B, Medicaid, or cash (checks are not accepted). Patients must present their Medicare insurance card or Medicaid voucher at the time of service. For those not covered, who are covered by other insurance providers, or without proof of Medicare or Medicaid insurance, the cost for flu vaccination is $30. Pneumonia shots are $55.
The health district reminds residents that it is recommended they get their flu shots early in the season, but it is not necessary to get the vaccine on the very first day it is offered. Flu shots are effective even if individuals wait until December or January. Flu season generally peaks in Southern Nevada in January or February.
The health district has scheduled several additional flu shot clinics in September and October:
September 15
Orleans Hotel & Casino, 10 a.m. – noon
Location: Boardroom
September 16
Suncoast Hotel & Casino, 10 a.m. – noon
Location: Madrid A
September 17
Gold Coast Hotel & Casino, 10 a.m. – noon
Location: Salon A
September 24
Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino, 10 a.m. – noon
Location: Virginia City Room
September 28
Clark County Library/Searchlight, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
200 Michael Wendon Way, Searchlight, Nev.
October 6
Doolittle Senior Center, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
1930 “J” Street, Las Vegas 89106
October 7
Las Vegas Senior Center, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
451 E. Bonanza Rd., Las Vegas 89101
October 9
East Las Vegas Senior Center, 10 a.m. – noon
250 N. Eastern, Las Vegas 89101
October 13
H2U Sunrise Hospital, 10 a.m. – noon
3061 S. Maryland Parkway, Ste. 112, Las Vegas 89109
October 27
H2U Mountain View, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
8524 Del Webb Blvd., Las Vegas 89134
To further prevent the spread of the virus: avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home if you’re sick, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Visit the Media Contacts webpage for media related inquiries.
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.