Health District to hold H1N1 clinics at two local high schools,
Saturday, Nov. 14 Vaccine available to CDC-recommended sub-priority groups
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 10, 2009
LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District will begin offering vaccine to all members of the priority groups identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for immunization against H1N1 beginning with clinics to be held Saturday, Nov. 14, at two area high schools: Centennial High School and Foothill High School. An additional clinic will be held at the district’s Ravenholt Public Health Center on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Public health services usually available at the main office will be suspended that Wednesday to accommodate the anticipated demand and clinic traffic. General public health services will still be available at the health district’s four neighborhood public health centers. Vaccine will only be offered during these special clinics and the health district will assess vaccine supplies before scheduling additional clinics. The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine is free of charge.
Clinic Locations:
November 14, 2009 – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Foothill High School
800 College Drive
Henderson, NV 89015
Centennial High School
10200 Centennial Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89149
November 18, 2009 – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ravenholt Public Health Center
625 Shadow Lane
Las Vegas, NV 89106
The priority groups eligible for vaccine at the health district clinics will include:
- Pregnant women
- People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
- Health care and emergency medical services personnel
- Persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
- People ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems
“We feel we have done a good job of reaching those at highest-risk for infection with the 2009 H1N1 virus, and based on our assessment of the demand for vaccine at our last clinic and the available vaccine supply we will be expanding vaccine availability to all the CDC-based priority,” said Dr. Lawrence Sands, chief health officer of the Southern Nevada Health District.
“Because we are expecting large crowds initially, we will suspend all other health district services at our main campus on Wednesday, November 18, in order to ensure we are able to provide vaccine to the priority groups. General services will be available at our public health centers located throughout the Valley.”
The health district will only offer injectable vaccine to clients who cannot use the inhaled vaccine, such as pregnant women and children who have chronic medical conditions. Individuals who are eligible to receive the inhaled vaccine will only be offered FluMist.
The Southern Nevada Health District continues to monitor for the seasonal and novel 2009 H1N1 influenza strains. Local and national surveillance has found that nearly all reported cases of influenza are the 2009 H1N1 strain. To date, there have been more than 2,500 laboratory-confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza 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. The health district recently reported that the severity of the H1N1 influenza strain in Southern Nevada has not increased and remains consistent since the virus was identified in the spring.
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.
For additional information visit www.SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict.org or www.snhd.info or call the Nevada Helpline, (702) 759-4636 (INFO).
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.