On Monday, May 10, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to include adolescents 12-15 years of age. On Wednesday, May 12, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met to make final recommendations for the use of the vaccine for adolescents in this age group. Based on the final recommendations of the ACIP, the Southern Nevada Health District has begun administering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 12 and older at Health District sites. Registration for appointments is now available at www.snhd.info/covid-vaccine.

As we prepare for the flu season, the novel coronavirus is still spreading in our community. Fortunately, many of the same prevention measures you have been taking to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19 will help to protect you from the flu.

Safer Alternatives to Celebrate Halloween Organize drive up trick-or-treating where neighbors set up candy [...]

The Health District, Immunize Nevada and community partners are holding a Back-to-School Shot Clinic on Saturday, August 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the agency’s main location at 280 S. Decatur Blvd. Immunizations are available by appointment only to ensure safe social distancing.

Having lived in Las Vegas for years, Jason Frame can’t recall a time when the streets were empty by day and had families cruising the vacant Strip at night—on bicycles, no less. The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the city’s usually bustling streets into a virtual ghost town. So far, 5,000 residents have tested positive, despite months of inactivity, with hotels and casinos shut down in attempts to flatten the curve.

As a public health agency dedicated to eliminating disparities and advancing equity in our community, we were heartbroken by the brutal killing of George Floyd. The violent methods used on demonstrators who were peacefully protesting, and the structural racism that has resulted in a disproportionate amount of death and harm in our communities of color are antithetical to what we stand for as a public health agency.

Aaaaah, Valentine’s Day — a time to celebrate relationships with candy, flowers, wine, and food. This year we’re serving up ideas for a healthier Valentine’s Day that can be a gift to both you and your special someone.

What should I look for if I or someone in my family visited Wuhan recently? If you or someone in your family has visited the area recently and you started feel sick with respiratory symptoms like fever, cough, or difficulty breathing within 14 days after you returned, contact your health care provider so you can seek medical care. Call your doctor’s office, urgent care, or emergency department before you to so they can make preparations for your arrival and take the necessary precautions to get you tested and to prevent others from being exposed.