LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak and first lady Kathy Sisolak received their annual flu shot at the Southern Nevada Health District offices in Las Vegas on Tuesday.
Health officials say this year's flu season is expected to look different with COVID-19 in the mix and experts have urged the importance of getting the flu vaccine.
Doctors urge public to get the flu shot amid COVID-19 pandemic
“As we continue to slow the spread of COVID-19, a flu shot is a powerful tool to help make sure we are all staying healthy,” Gov. Sisolak said. “We want to ensure our healthcare systems have enough personnel, equipment, and capacity to treat all patients and by getting a flu shot, you are doing your part to help."
Gov. Steve Sisolak and other Las Vegas area officials received their flu shots during a Tuesday press conference stressing the importance of getting one during the pandemic. Watch a replay of that here.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months of age and older get the flu vaccine every year, as the flu is a contagious respiratory disease that can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, or even death.
"If all Nevadans get a flu shot, we can help keep thousands of patients out of the hospital this season, and that will be a critical help to our State and to our doctors and nurses who have been working around the clock since March," said Gov. Sisolak.
CORONAVIRUS: Confirmed cases in Clark County, what's happening around the state
According to Immunize Nevada, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to immunizations and works closely with the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services on issues such as vaccinations, also sent out a few notes on Tuesday along with the governor's office:
-Text “ProtectNV” to 47177 for flu vaccine reminders and updates about local vaccine availability.
-Remind family and friends of the importance of getting a flu vaccine.
-Get a downloadable flu toolkit for business, childcare, or healthcare professionals here.
Furthermore, information on the flu and the flu vaccine can be found here.