Nearly 3,000 flu shots issued

Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2001 | 9:56 a.m.

The Clark County Health District has already issued close to 3,000 flu vaccinations in the first three days of a program targeting "at-risk" populations in the region, officials said Tuesday.

The district is giving the flu shot to people over age 65 or with existing medical problems. The program, delayed here and nationally because of a shortage of vaccine, started Friday.

Dr. Donald Kwalick, the district's top administrator as chief health officer, said people were lined up around the district's Shadow Lane clinic on Friday. Crowds were smaller Saturday but picked up again Tuesday after a two-day hiatus for the New Year's weekend.

Kwalick said district employees and volunteers had given about 500 vaccinations by about 3 p.m. Tuesday, and nearly 3,000 at three sites in the Las Vegas Valley. The program will continue until all 20,000 flu shots are administered.

Vaccinations are now offered at the main clinic at 625 Shadow Lane, at the East Las Vegas clinic at 560 Nellis Blvd., Suite E-12, and at the Henderson clinic at 129 W. Lake Mead Drive, Suite 10.

Kwalick said the health district will soon offer the vaccinations in Laughlin, Searchlight and Mesquite.

For those with existing illnesses or who are older, vaccinations can save a life, Kwalick said.

"We want to get them immunized," he said.

Those with existing medical problems need to bring a doctor's note to qualify for the vaccine. For those who do not have medical insurance, the cost is $10 for the flu shot.

Pneumonia vaccines also are available for $20.

For information on the program, call 383-1351 or 383-1494.