Health District Receives Injectable Vaccine H1N1 Immunization Clinic for Priority Group Members

Health District receives injectable vaccine;

H1N1 immunization clinic for priority group members, Saturday, Oct. 17

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 14, 2009

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District has received its first delivery of injectable 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine, which will be available initially to members of the CDC-recommended priority groups deemed most at-risk for severe illness or complications. The first clinic that will offer injectable vaccine as well as the inhaled flu mist is scheduled between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17, at the health district’s main public health center at 625 Shadow Lane. The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine is free of charge. For additional information visit www.SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict.org or www.snhd.info or call the Nevada Helpline, (702) 759-4636 (INFO).

The CDC priority groups eligible to receive the vaccine at this time include:

Pregnant women
People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
Health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact
Children 6 months through 4 years of age
Children 5 through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions

Starting Monday, Oct. 19, the health district will continue to offer both types of the vaccine Monday – Friday at its main public health center between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Scheduled clinics for additional members of the priority groups are being planned but are contingent on the delivery of the vaccine. Orders are placed by the Nevada State Health Division and deliveries are anticipated on a weekly basis.

This is the second vaccine delivery received by the Southern Nevada Health District. To date, the health district has received approximately 48,000 doses of 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine with the initial delivery consisting of the inhaled mist. This week, approximately 11,000 doses were delivered directly to hospitals and health care providers who have previously registered with the Nevada State Health Division and are enrolled in the federal program to administer vaccine. To date, the health district has administered 1,272 doses.

The CDC recommends the inhaled vaccine for healthy people between the ages of two and 49. It is also recommended for health care workers and EMTs.

The Southern Nevada Health District continues to monitor for the seasonal and novel 2009 H1N1 influenza strains. To date, there have been more than 600 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.

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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.