Announcements

Drive-Through Flu Shots Available at Washoe County Health District
Immunizations are available at the Health District clinic as well

Media Release
For Immediate Release
www.washoecounty.us/health

Contact: Scott Oxarart
soxarart@washoecounty.us
775.328.2414 or 775.276.1021

Reno, Nev. Sept 15, 2020 – With flu season around the corner, the Washoe County Health District is offering flu vaccinations via drive-through or with an appointment at the Health District Immunization clinic.

A yearly flu shot is recommended to those 6 months of age and older, especially those with certain medical conditions, pregnant women, and people over 65 years of age. Flu shots are free with most insurance plans (remember to bring your insurance card). Those without insurance will be vaccinated at no cost.

The drive-through flu clinics will be held at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center and are available on the following dates and times on a first come, first serve basis. No appointment is required. Please use the entrance at Wells Avenue and Sadlier Way.

Speed up the flu-shot process, fill out forms in advance

To fill out forms in advance, download, print and fill out the following forms in advance (Not required; you can fill out on site, this way is just faster). Each person who receives a flu shot must have a form filled out. 

Please note, the high-dose senior flu vaccine will not be available during these events. Seniors are recommended to seek the high-dose shot at pharmacies or healthcare providers.

The first week of October is the official start of Flu Season according to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), but cases of influenza are already being reported. No vaccine is 100 percent effective, but if you get a flu shot it can reduce the severity of symptoms, and reduce the risk of hospitalization and death if you do catch the flu.

“With the significant spread of COVID-19 still in our community, a flu vaccination is one of the most important things you can do right now,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer for Washoe County. “The risk of our hospitals reaching capacity due to the flu and COVID-19 is significant. Since flu and COVID-19 symptoms are similar, avoiding the flu can also help to preserve adequate testing capacity for COVID-19. A flu shot can prevent you from getting the flu, as well as help decrease the severity of the symptoms.”

People who have the flu often feel some or all these symptoms: fever, chills, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.

The single best way to avoid getting the flu is to get vaccinated each year, but there are other preventive measures everyone should practice to ward-off the flu and other illnesses:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue
  • Wash your hands often
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
  • Wear a facial covering

If you are not able to attend our drive-thru events, you can schedule an appointment to get a flu shot at the Health District Immunization clinic at 1001 E. 9th Street, Building B starting September 14, 2020 by calling 775-328-2402.

The Health District is one of many options to get a flu shot. Most pharmacies and grocery stores offer vaccinations and will accept insurance cards. There are several other options within our community to get your flu shot.  Check out  Immunize Nevada calendar to see a flu vaccine clinic near you.

More information about the Washoe County Immunization Program can be found here.

The Washoe County Health District is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.

Call 311 to find resources, ask questions, and utilize Washoe County services. Learn More »
Call 311 to find resources, ask questions, and utilize Washoe County services. Learn More »