LAS VEGAS – National Influenza Vaccination Week is an annual observance the first week of December to encourage those who have not received a flu vaccine to get one. It’s also an optimal time to remind everyone 6 months and older that it’s not too late to get vaccinated against flu now that both the holiday and flu season have officially arrived in Clark County.

As of November 18, the Southern Nevada Health District is reporting 68 flu-associated hospitalizations and three deaths in Clark County. Flu activity in the state is currently moderate and typically increases in the community around the holidays. During National Influenza Vaccination Week, the Health District is urging everyone to get vaccinated to enjoy a safer and healthier holiday with family and friends.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine each year. By getting the vaccine, people can protect themselves and others from spreading the flu or getting severely ill. Older adults, younger children, pregnant people, and those with underlying medical conditions face a greater risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu.

Flu vaccines are available at Health District clinics as well as doctor’s offices and pharmacies throughout Southern Nevada. Visit the Flu Vaccine – Southern Nevada Health District web page for more information on SNHD flu clinics and to make an appointment.

Simple measures can help people prevent the spread of flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and running water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Stay home when sick and limit contact with others.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Throw the tissue away after using it.
• Take a COVID-19 test if flu-like symptoms develop.
• Take antiviral drugs for flu if prescribed by a doctor.

Getting a flu vaccine should not be delayed. It takes about two weeks to develop sufficient protection against flu after getting vaccinated. The CDC has information about the flu vaccine on its Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine web page. The Southern Nevada Weekly Influenza Surveillance Snapshot can be viewed at Health District’s Influenza Surveillance web page.