Health District Continues to Offer H1N1 Seasonal Flu Vaccine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 21, 2010

LAS VEGAS – There is still time to receive a dose of 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine at the Southern Nevada Health District’s public health centers. Children between the ages of six months old and age nine should receive the second 2009 H1N1 dose four weeks after the first dose or at least 21-28 days later. Parents should bring their children’s H1N1 vaccine record with them when they come in for their second dose. The Southern Nevada Health District offers influenza vaccine at its public health centers Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For additional information, contact the immunization clinic, (702) 759-0850 or visit www.SNHD.info.

Current projections indicate that the 2009 H1N1 influenza strain will be the dominant strain for the next flu season. The virus has not mutated and this year’s shot will offer protection for the upcoming flu season. Next year’s seasonal flu vaccine will include the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

The second dose is recommended for children so they develop adequate protection against the 2009 H1N1 influenza strain. By getting vaccinated now, people can be protected themselves and their families against the strain when it returns in the fall.

Seasonal and H1N1 influenza vaccinations are especially recommended for health care workers, people who live with or care for babies younger than six months old, anyone with a compromised immune system or a chronic medical condition and pregnant women. In addition, younger people were included in the initial priority groups for 2009 H1N1 vaccine because people younger than 25 are particularly susceptible to becoming more seriously ill when they are infected.

Updated information about the Southern Nevada Health District can be found on Facebook www.facebook.com/SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict, on YouTube www.youtube.com/SNHealthDistrict or Twitter : www.twitter.com/SNHDinfo.

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.