Health District to offer H1N1 inhaled vaccine
to priority group members Monday – Friday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 10, 2009
LAS VEGAS – Depending upon vaccine availability, the Southern Nevada Health District will offer the inhaled flu mist to caretakers and household contacts of children younger than six months old, children who are between the ages of 2 and 4, and health care workers and emergency medical staff with direct patient contact. The inhaled vaccine will be available initially to the members of these priority groups between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday – Friday at the health district’s main public health center, 625 Shadow Lane. The inhaled vaccine is approved for people who are healthy with no underlying medical conditions, who are not pregnant, and who are between the ages of 2 and 49. For additional information visit www.SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict.org.
The health district on Tuesday received its initial delivery of the inhaled vaccine. Until the demand for the vaccine has been ascertained, the health district will continue to focus its efforts on specific priority groups who can receive the inhaled vaccine and will update information about availability. When the injectable vaccine is delivered, it will be available initially for priority group members through clinics at the health district as well as a limited number of physician offices and/or clinics that treat patients within the priority groups. Scheduled clinics for priority groups are being planned, but are contingent on the delivery of the vaccine. As of 12:30 p.m., the health district administered approximately 200 doses to health care workers and EMTs and averaged between 30-35 clients an hour.
Doses of the inhaled vaccine will be delivered to hospitals, fire department paramedic units, emergency medical/ambulance services to be administered to staff who meet the CDC guidelines and are eligible to receive the inhaled vaccine.
The Southern Nevada Health District continues to monitor for the seasonal and novel 2009 H1N1 influenza strains. To date, there have been more than 500 laboratory-confirmed H1N1 cases in Clark County; however, the number of reported cases represents a small percentage of residents who have been infected with H1N1 as most do not seek medical care.
Until adequate immunization rates for H1N1 are achieved, the best way to prevent influenza is to practice good health habits. This influenza season, there are two different immunizations available to protect against illness: the new 2009 novel H1N1 vaccine as well as the seasonal flu vaccine.
As more vaccine becomes available, the health district anticipates that it will continually expand the number of people who will be eligible to receive the immunizations. The health district’s seasonal flu supply, which is different, is available and in adequate supply for everyone.
Initial groups that are encouraged to receive the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine include:
- Pregnant women
- Caregivers or those who live with children less than six months old
- Healthcare workers and emergency response personnel
- Individuals between the ages of six months and 24 years old
- People between the ages of 25 and 64 with chronic medical conditions, compromised immune systems, and who are at a higher risk of complications from H1N1 infection
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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.