Media Contact: Jackie Shelton
(775) 624-9999 |

For Immediate Release:

It’s not too late to vaccinate – Get your flu vaccine today!

(December 2, 2016) – Some Nevadans might be wondering if it’s too late in the year to get a flu vaccine. The short answer is “no,” as Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that flu vaccination efforts continue throughout the flu season.

CDC has designated December 4-10, 2016 as National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) as a reminder for everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated against the flu.

“Flu season most often peaks between December and March, but activity can occur as late as May,” said CDC Director of the Influenza Division Dr. Dan Jernigan in a release. “We are encouraging people who have not yet been vaccinated this season to get vaccinated now.” It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against influenza virus infection to develop in the body, so it’s best to get vaccinated early.

Flu season has hit Nevada hard with a two deaths so far in Washoe County and one in Clark County. “As evidenced by the deaths we’ve already had in Nevada, the flu is not just a bad cold or headache,” said Immunize Nevada Executive Director Heidi Parker. “Years of research have shown that the flu vaccination is the best way of preventing the flu — for ourselves, our family members and anyone we interact with in our daily lives.”

Some people are at high risk for serious flu-related complications that can lead to hospitalization and even death. People at high risk include pregnant women, children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old, people 65 year of age and older, and people who have certain medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. For those at high risk of serious flu complications, getting a flu vaccine is especially important. It’s also important for caregivers of anyone at high risk, including children younger than 6 months who are too young to get a flu vaccine.

Flu symptoms include:

• A fever of 100 degrees or higher
• A cough and/or sore throat
• A runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches and/or body aches
• Chills
• Fatigue

“Seasonal flu vaccines are your best protection against getting flu,” Parker said. “Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year. The flu vaccine can literally save your life or the life of someone you love.”

Parker says that Nevada has many options for no-cost flu vaccinations. Additionally, Immunize Nevada offers the “Flu Vaccine Finder” on its website, www.influencenevada.org, which allows Nevadans to input their zip code, generating a list of locations nearby offering flu vaccine.

Those interested in making a donation to support Immunize Nevada’s efforts in keeping Nevada healthy, can click http://bit.do/BeAFluHero and become a flu hero.

For details about flu vaccine, statistics, logic, flu prevention strategies and vaccination clinics, follow Immunize Nevada on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest. Or visit www.influencenevada.org for more information.

Immunize Nevada is widely recognized as Nevada’s trusted resource for immunizations and community health for all ages by fostering education and statewide collaboration. Immunize Nevada’s vision is healthy communities across Nevada protected from vaccine-preventable disease. For more information, visit ImmunizeNevada.org.

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