Reno, Nev. (December 22, 2016) – Winter vacation is a great time to get the entire family vaccinated since schedules tend to be more flexible. And since the Washoe County Health Department (WCHD) just reported that there were more than 266 influenza cases in Washoe County last week, and approximately 10 percent of the reported cases being hospitalized, the flu vaccine is especially critical.

“Our community is facing a particularly tough flu season this year,” said Dr. George Hess of the Washoe County District Board of Health. “We all need to do what we can to avoid getting sick. Getting a flu shot and practicing good hygiene can keep you and those around you safe and healthy this flu season.”

“Everybody over the age of 6 months needs a flu vaccine and it’s not too late to get vaccinated,” explained Immunize Nevada Executive Director Heidi Parker. “But there are other vaccines we all need as well. A break from school or work is a great time to address all of this.”

There are a number of opportunities throughout the community to get the flu vaccine over vacation; including your physician’s office, local pharmacies, and community clinic sites. Here are a few northern Nevada locations:

Washoe County Health District, 1001 E. Ninth Street, Reno, All ages.
Appointment and/or walk-in hours – call (775) 328-2402 for an appointment between 8:00 a.m. – noon and 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Cost/insurance – $22-$45, depending on eligibility criteria.

Community Health Alliance – various locations, Reno/Sparks, All ages.
Appointment and/or walk-in hours - call (775) 329-6300 for more information.
Cost/insurance - depending on eligibility criteria.

Carson City Health & Human Services, 900 East Long Street Carson City, NV 89706, All ages.
Appointment and/or walk-in hours - Thursday (Walk-In Immunizations only):  8:30 – 11:30 am, 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Call (775) 887-2195 for more information.
Cost/insurance – CCHHS accepts Medicaid, and most private insurances. They have a sliding fee scale for those who are uninsured ages 2 months – 18 years old.

Immunize Nevada also 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.

For details about immunization, 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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