‘Tis the season to be healthy!
Get your flu shot.

The Health District encourages Southern Nevadans to get immunized
during National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 2-8

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 3, 2018

LAS VEGAS – ‘Tis the season! During the holiday season people traditionally spend more time with friends and family and less time getting vaccinated against the flu. The demand for flu vaccine typically decreases after the end of November, and National Influenza Vaccination Week, scheduled for December 2-8, highlights the importance of continuing flu vaccination throughout the holiday season and beyond. It is not too late to get vaccinated this flu season, and the Southern Nevada Health District offers flu shots at its clinics located throughout Clark County. For information about the Health District’s flu vaccine clinics call (702) 759-0850 or visit the agency’s Flu Vaccine Clinic page.

Although flu activity in Southern Nevada is low, there have been 20 confirmed hospitalizations reported in Clark County through November 17. During the 2017-2018 flu season, the Health District reported 980 hospitalizations and 62 deaths, including three in individuals under the age of 18.

For the 2018-2019 season, there are several different flu vaccine options available, including the high-dose immunization for adults older than 65. Manufacturers project they will provide between 163 million and 168 million doses of injectable flu vaccine this season, and immunizations are available at locations throughout the Las Vegas Valley. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu vaccine for everyone age 6 months and older, especially people who are at risk from serious complications as well as pregnant women.

“Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to fight the flu. We encourage people to get their flu shots now if they have not been vaccinated so they can enjoy a healthy and happy holiday season,” said Dr. Joe Iser, Chief Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District.

There are many reasons to get a flu vaccine each year. While the effectiveness of the flu vaccine can vary from year to year, it is the best way to prevent the virus as well as the serious complications that can occur if you do become ill, including those that can result in hospitalization. According to the CDC, a 2017 study showed that flu vaccination reduced deaths, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and length of stay in the ICU, as well as the overall duration of a hospital stay among flu patients. In addition, a 2018 study showed that among adults who were in the hospital with influenza, vaccinated patients were 59 percent less likely to be admitted to an ICU. Among pregnant women, a flu vaccine can protect the baby from the flu for several months after birth; infants younger than 6 months old are too young to receive a flu shot.

Even when vaccine effectiveness is in the range of 30 to 60 percent, flu vaccination prevents millions of illnesses and tens of thousands of flu-related hospitalizations each year. For more information visit the CDC’s Disease Burden of Influenza and Vaccine Effectiveness webpages.

The Health District offers flu shots at the following clinic locations. Clients should arrive by 4 p.m. to allow time for processing:

• Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas
  Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 560 N. Nellis Blvd., Suite E12, Las Vegas
  Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Southern Nevada Health District Henderson Clinic,
  874 American Pacific Dr., Henderson
  Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  Closed daily 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
  Available by appoint by only. Call (702) 759-0960.
• Mesquite Public Health Center, 830 Hafen Lane, Mesquite
  Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  Available by appoint by only. Call (702) 759-1682. If calling locally from Mesquite, dial (702) 346-9161.

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.