Flu shot clinics opening

The Southern Nevada Health District will begin its annual flu shot clinics on Tuesday and residents are being urged to get them sooner rather than later if they are at high risk of getting the illness.

Those at high risk of contracting the seasonal influenza bug include people age 50 and over, pregnant women, individuals between six months old and 49 with certain medical conditions and health care workers.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends flu vaccinations for children between the ages of six months and five years.

Currently, there is no flu activity in Clark County. Flu season generally peaks in Southern Nevada in January or February.

Influenza vaccinations will be available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at:

• Ravenholt Public Health Center, 625 Shadow Lane, in Las Vegas.

• East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 560 N. Nellis Blvd., in Las Vegas.

• Henderson Public Health Center, 520 E. Lake Mead Parkway, in Henderson.

• North Las Vegas Public Health Center, 1820 E. Lake Mead Blvd., in North Las Vegas.

Vaccines also will be available at the Spring Valley Public Health Center, 6330 W. Spring Mountain Road, but by appointment only, officials said.

The health district has ordered more than 30,000 doses for this year and there are no anticipated vaccine shortages this season, though distribution methods stagger delivery over a four-week period.

Vaccines cost $30 each. The health district accepts Medicare Part B, Medicare Railroad Part B, Medicaid, and Senior Dimensions or cash. Patients must present their insurance card or Medicaid voucher at the time of service.

For more information, call the health district's immunization project at 759-0850.