Southern Nevada Health District to Offer Free Seasonal Flu Shots

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 8, 2010

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District will begin to offer FREE seasonal flu shots to the public at 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 11. The health district was recently notified it would receive additional federal funds to continue activities related to its response to the H1N1 Pandemic, including administering flu shots. Charges for the new high-dose shot for people 65 and older and pneumonia shots will still apply. Insured clients receiving free vaccine will be asked for their insurance information for billing purposes only.

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 over the age of six months with chronic medical conditions, health care workers, and household contacts of individuals who are at high risk. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recommended that anyone over the age of six months old should receive an annual flu shot.

To date, the health district has received reports of two confirmed influenza cases through its pediatric surveillance program. In a typical flu season, confirmed cases of influenza tend to be seen at the end of November and peak in January or February. 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.

For more information, contact the health district’s immunization clinic at (702) 759-0850 or visit www.SNHD.info.

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.

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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.