Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is holding a flu vaccine event on Jan. 24, from 3-6 p.m., at the main NNPH location (1001 E. 9th St., Building B) in Reno.
Vaccines will be available to anyone 6 months and older, and the event is FREE to the community. They will offer the standard dose flu shot, and will not have the high-dose available. Alternatively, most local pharmacies offer flu vaccines as well – find one near you.
Anyone interested in participating should bring their I.D. No insurance is needed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that flu vaccinations reduce the risk of flu illness by between 40% and 60% among the overall population. The flu shot remains the most effective tool against contracting and spreading the flu virus. While getting vaccinated in the fall can lower your chances of getting the flu, it’s not too late to get the protection the flu vaccine can provide.
Recent flu surveillance from NNPH, formerly Washoe County Health District, has shown high levels of flu cases and hospitalizations in Washoe County. Data from hospitalizations that have occurred this influenza season shows that influenza hospitalization rates continue to be highest in the over-65-year age group, locally and nationally.
The CDC estimates that during the 2022-2023 season, flu vaccination prevented 6.0 million flu-related illnesses, 2.9 million medical visits, 65,000 hospitalizations, and 3,700 deaths.
(NNPH contributed to this report.)
