Public health protects every Nevadan, every single day, in countless ways; and makes our world a better place. Many of these ways go unnoticed, in fact, public health may have saved your life today.

Reno, Nev. (February 16, 2017) - Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, all Nevada public and private school students enrolling in 7th grade will be required to receive one dose of the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4 or MenACWY). Additionally, all students enrolled as a freshman of a Nevada university, 23 years or younger, may not attend after September 1, 2017 without proof of meningococcal vaccination on or after age 16.

News reports continue to suggest that president-elect Donald Trump is possibly considering forming a new federal commission on immunizations after meeting with anti-vaccine advocate RFK Jr. earlier this week. We join with our partners in local, state and national organizations, healthcare, public health, scientists, and researchers in reiterating that vaccines work. They save lives, and the science has confirmed that time and again.

The official news at the end of 2016 was a change to the recommendation for HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination, reducing the recommended number of doses from three to just two for girls and boys who initiate the series at ages 9 through 14 years.

This new recommendation reduces the number of doses of the vaccine required, yet is still effective in preventing HPV infections and HPV-associated diseases, including cancers. That means fewer office visits for boys and girls, and less vaccine stored by health care providers.

Reno, Nev. (December 22, 2016) – Winter vacation is a great time to get the entire family vaccinated since schedules tend to be more flexible. And since the Washoe County Health Department (WCHD) just reported that there were more than 266 influenza cases in Washoe County last week, and approximately 10 percent of the reported cases being hospitalized, the flu vaccine is especially critical.

We asked Nevadans why they get the flu vaccine. Here were their answers!

Q: Why do you get a flu vaccine every year?

Delmo Andreozzi
County Commissioner for Elko County

“I get immunized every year. The proof is in the pudding. It’s just another way to protect myself, my family, and the people I care about and love.”

Reno, Nev. (December 16, 2016) – The Washoe County Health Department (WCHD) has reported more than 230 influenza cases in Washoe County last week, and approximately 10 percent of the reported cases being hospitalized. They’re promoting vaccinations and vigilance to keep people from catching the flu this season. And, the usual peak-of-the-season is still six to eight weeks away.

While the numbers vary, in the United States, millions of people are sickened, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and thousands or tens of thousands of people die from flu every year. According to the CDC, one of the leading indicators for the severity of the flu season is the number of individuals who receive the flu vaccination each year. In honor of National Influenza Vaccination Week taking place December 4 -10, 2016, Immunize Nevada is proud to recognize the 2016 Nevada Flu Heroes.

Media Contact: Jackie Shelton
(775) 624-9999 |

For Immediate Release:

It’s not too late to vaccinate – Get your flu vaccine today!

(December 2, 2016) – Some Nevadans might be wondering if it’s too late in the year to get a flu vaccine. The short answer is “no,” as Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that flu vaccination efforts continue throughout the flu season.