Influenza Activity Increases Health District Encourages Flu Shots

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 2, 2011

LAS VEGAS – Influenza activity continues to increase throughout the Las Vegas Valley. In addition, the Southern Nevada Health District received a report of a flu-related death in a four-month-old boy. The health district is not able to release additional details due to patient privacy concerns. The health district reminds residents that flu shots are the most effective way to prevent the flu. The Southern Nevada Health District continues to offer free flu shots at its public health centers as well as at clinics throughout the Las Vegas Valley, including clinics at five area high schools. The clinics are open to anyone over six months of age; parents must accompany minors. For information, contact the Southern Nevada Health District’s immunization program, (702) 759-0850 or visit www.SNHD.info.

“While any death saddens us, the unfortunate reality is that flu deaths are not uncommon and the CDC estimates that about 30,000 people die each year from the flu. It is especially upsetting when they are children,” said Dr. Lawrence Sands, chief health officer. “I want to remind everyone that flu shots are the best protection against the flu, especially if you are a caregiver for children under six months of age or for anyone with a chronic illness, if you are a health care worker or if you live with someone who cannot get a flu shot.”

Flu activity peaks in January and February, and the health district advises that anyone can still be adequately protected against the flu by getting a flu shot. This year’s influenza vaccine is well-matched to the three strains circulating around the Valley and across the country.

Flu shots and other immunizations are available at the health district’s public health centers between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday:

Ravenholt Public Health Center, 625 Shadow Lane, Las Vegas
East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 560 N. Nellis Blvd., Suite E12, Las Vegas
Henderson Public Health Center, 520 E. Lake Mead Parkway, Henderson
Mesquite Public Health Center, 830 Hafen Lane, Mesquite, Tue/Thu 8 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

School-based clinics are held Tuesday and Thursday between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the following area high schools (except during school holidays or school events):

Chaparral High School Desert
3850 Annie Oakley Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89121

Pines High School
3800 Harris Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89110

Durango High School
7100 W. Dewey Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89113

Mojave High School
5302 Goldfield St.
North Las Vegas, NV 89031

Silverado High School
1650 Silverhawk Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89123

Additional flu shot clinics are scheduled for the following locations:

Heritage Park
Wednesday, Feb. 9, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
300 S. Racetrack Rd. (at Burkholder)
Henderson, NV 89015

Touro University Nevada/Health Fair
Sunday, March 6, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
874 American Pacific Drive
Henderson, NV 89014

Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada

Andre Agassi Clubhouse
Wednesday, March 23, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
800 N. Martin Luther King Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89106

B.C. McCabe Clubhouse
Wednesday, April 20, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
2801 Stewart Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89101

Ralph and Betty Engelstad Clubhouse
Wednesday, May 18, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
3540 Cambridge St.
Las Vegas, NV 89169

This year’s flu shot includes the 2009 H1N1 influenza strain. There are no vaccine shortages 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) recommended that anyone over the age of six months old should receive an annual flu shot.

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.