Health district armed with flu vaccine

Friday, Dec. 29, 2000 | 10:24 a.m.

The Clark County Health District has begun giving 20,000 doses of flu vaccine to seniors over 65 years old and those at medical risk from the virus, said Fran Courtney, director of nursing and clinic services.

The vaccine arrived later than normal because of a nationwide shortage in supplies, Courtney said.

Luckily, the flu season in the Southwest also has begun later than usual.

Only one case of influenza has been confirmed in Clark County so far this year, and it was in the summer, health district epidemiologist Rose Bell said.

The doors opened at all three health district clinics today at 8 a.m. and will close at 4:30 p.m.

A special Saturday flu shot clinic will be held 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. only at the Shadow Lane center, Courtney said.

After the New Year's Day holiday on Monday, all three clinics will again offer vaccinations from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. until the health district's doses run out, she said.

The main center is located at 625 Shadow Lane, the East Las Vegas clinic is at 560 Nellis Blvd., Suite E-12 at the intersection of Stewart Avenue, and the Henderson clinic is at 129 W. Lake Mead Drive, Suite 10.

For those not covered by a contracted insurance provider, the charge is $10 for flu shots and $20 for a pneumonia vaccine.

Those eligible to receive the shots include anyone over 65 years old or in a high-risk category with a note from a physician.

A health insurance card must be presented before receiving the flu shot, or payment in cash is required.

Those who are not eligible for the shots can take precautions, Courtney said.

People with symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, muscle aches and fatigue should stay at home during the first three to five days of the illness to avoid exposing others to the disease.

For more information about the flu vaccine, call 383-1351 or 383-1494.