LAS VEGAS –Beginning Tuesday, September 14, the Southern Nevada Health District will offer flu vaccine at its public health centers. Walk-in clients are accepted at the Health District’s 280 S. Decatur Blvd. immunization clinic, but appointments are required at its other public health centers. To make an appointment, call (702) 759-0850. Flu vaccines can be administered at the same time as COVID-19 vaccines or other immunizations.
While 2020-21 flu season was mild – the Health District reported six flu deaths and 50 hospitalizations – likely due to COVID-19 mitigation measures such as mask wearing, increased participation in remote work and school, and social distancing, it is possible the 2021-22 influenza season could be more active since many of these activities have been eased as businesses and schools are reopened.
The most effective way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated every flu season. It is best to get vaccinated before flu viruses begin spreading in the community because it takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for the antibodies to develop and provide protection against the flu. However, people can be vaccinated anytime during flu season.
In the 2019-20 flu season, Clark County recorded 54 deaths and 1,398 hospitalizations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that flu vaccine prevented an estimated 7.5 million illnesses and 6,300 deaths during the 2019-2020 flu season. For more information about the burden of influenza, visit the CDC’s https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden-averted/2019-2020.htm
“We are still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and another flu season is nearly here. We are encouraging people to get vaccinated to prevent themselves from getting infected and staying healthy,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “Getting a flu vaccine can ensure that our medical resources are not overwhelmed as we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Health District is offering flu shots at its clinics.
- Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107
Walk-ins accepted. Monday — Friday, 8 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. - East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 570 N. Nellis Blvd., Ste.E12, Las Vegas, NV, 89110
By appointment only. Monday — Friday, 8 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. - Henderson Public Health Center, 220. E. Horizon Dr., Stes. A&C, Henderson, NV 89015
By appointment only, Monday — Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. - Mesquite Public Health Center/Jimmie Hughes Campus, 150 N. Yucca St., Stes. 3&4, Mesquite, NV 89027
By appointment only. Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. Closed noon — 1 p.m.
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. It is especially important for those at higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu. Many of the people at higher risk of complications from the flu are also at higher risk of complications from COVID-19. This includes people 65 years of age and older, people with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, compromised immune systems, and Blacks and Hispanics who are already disproportionately impacted by chronic diseases. It is also important to protect people more likely to be exposed to both COVID-19 and flu, including health care workers and essential workers who interact frequently with the public. A complete list of people at higher risk is available on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm.