Health District urges early immunizations ahead of new school year

Students can receive vaccinations at locations across the Valley

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 11, 2025

LAS VEGAS – With the new school year starting on Monday, August 11, the Southern Nevada Health District is urging parents and guardians to make sure their children are up to date on required immunizations. To avoid the last-minute rush, the Health District recommends scheduling an appointment now for kindergartners, 7th graders and 12th graders at one of its immunization clinics. Alternatively, parents may choose to make vaccination appointments with their pediatrician or local pharmacy.

“Getting your child vaccinated before school starts helps ensure they’re protected from serious diseases and ready for a healthy year of learning,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “Don’t wait to vaccinate—scheduling early helps you avoid potential delays and last-minute stress.”

A limited number of backpacks and school supplies will be available at Health District immunization clinic locations for students who receive their required school vaccination early, while supplies last.

The Clark County School District (CCSD) requires the following vaccinations for students enrolling in school: chickenpox (varicella), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (DTaP and Tdap), quadrivalent meningitis, and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR). Parents who recently moved to Nevada should note hepatitis A vaccination is required in the state. Immunizations that were up to date in other states, that do not require hepatitis A vaccination, might not be current in Nevada.

Students enrolled in the 12th grade in Nevada public, private or charter schools must receive the meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the start of the 2025-2026 school year. MenACWY is also required for students entering 7th grade and for students entering the 8th through 12th grades who are new to Nevada schools, including private or charter schools, and CCSD. In addition, 7-graders must receive their tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. For more information on required vaccinations, visit CCSD’s Student Enrollment Process.

Mandatory back-to-school vaccinations, as well as recommended vaccinations, are available at the following Health District locations by appointment only:

Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107
Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed noon–1 p.m.)
Special back-to-school dates and times at Decatur location:
Friday, August 1 and August 8, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 9, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 2950 E. Bonanza Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89101
Tuesday – Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed noon–1 p.m.
Special back-to-school dates and times at Bonanza location:
Monday, July 28; August 4 and August 11, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Henderson Public Health Center, 220 E. Horizon Dr., Ste. A, Henderson, NV 89015
Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
Special back-to-school dates and times at Henderson location:
Monday, August 1; August 8, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Mesquite Public Health Center, 150 N. Yucca St., Mesquite, NV 89027
Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (closed noon–1 p.m.)

To make an appointment, call (702) 759-0850 or visit www.snhd.info/bts.

Back-to-school immunizations for students 11-18 years of age (Tdap, MenACWY and HPV) will also be available at the Health District’s Fremont Public Health Center in the two weeks leading up to the new school year. Parents and guardians of children younger than 11, can make appointments by calling (702) 759-0850 or visiting www.snhd.info/bts.

Fremont Public Health Center, 2830 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV 89104

Tuesday–Friday, July 29–August 1 and August 5–August 8, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Open to students ages 11–18
Appointments are required; call (702) 759-0850 or visit www.snhd.info/bts.

The Health District also offers vaccinations that are recommended for children but not required to enter school in Nevada. These include Meningitis B (MenB), human papillomavirus (HPV) and COVID-19.

MenB is a rare type of bacterial meningitis, which causes swelling in the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. All teens may get the MenB vaccine, preferably at 16–18 years old, in order to prevent this uncommon but serious illness for teens and young adults. Parents should discuss the risk and benefits with their vaccine provider.
HPV is a common virus that infects children, adolescents and adults, and can cause cancers later in life. Approximately 13 million people—including teens—become infected with HPV each year.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing, and protection from COVID-19 vaccines declines over time. The COVID-19 vaccination continues to protect children against severe disease and hospitalization.

For more information about MenB, HPV or COVID-19, or to schedule a vaccination, visit Immunization Clinic – Southern Nevada Health District or call (702) 759-0850.

Back to school appointments are for children and teens under 19 years of age. Immunizations are by appointment only with limited same day availability. A parent or guardian must be present for those under 18.

Parents bringing their child to a Health District clinic for vaccinations should bring the child’s immunization records. If records are unavailable, parents are encouraged to contact their health care provider. For children immunized in Nevada, records can also be accessed through Nevada WebIZ, the state’s immunization registry, at https://izrecord.nv.gov/public/Application/PublicPortal or by calling (775) 684-5954. Non-custodial adults may bring a child to the clinic, but written consent from the parent or legal guardian must be provided at the time of service.

The Health District accepts most insurance plans. Not all immunizations are covered by insurance. Vaccine costs vary based on the type of immunization required. There may be an administrative fee in addition to the vaccine costs. For more information, visit www.snhd.info/bts.

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.