As the specter of autumn looms and children return to school, Las Vegas is bracing for the traditional rise in seasonal infections, including COVID-19 and the flu. In a preemptive strike, updated vaccines have started to roll out across the city's pharmacies and medical offices. According to FOX5 Vegas , CVS Pharmacy on Farm Road, among other locations, has opened its doors to eager patrons, offering both scheduled appointments and walk-in services daily for the latest COVID-19 vaccines.

The added push for immunization comes at a critical time, as the Las Vegas Valley has previously seen a spike in COVID-19 cases this summer, indicating a potential vulnerability as winter approaches. "The flow has been constant: a lot of shots, not only for COVID-19 but also the flu," CVS Pharmacist Jolene Blaine told FOX5 Vegas . With Nevada's hospitals currently in "green" status per the Nevada Hospital Association, the community is collectively aiming to keep hospitalization rates low, despite a national uptick. The CDC has recommended for everyone aged 6 months and above to on schedule get an updated COVID-19 and flu vaccine.

The call to action is underscored by the emergence of new variants, as reported by 8 News Now . Among them are the FLiRT subvariants—KP.2, KP.3, and KP.1.1—spreading not just in Nevada but across neighboring states. Factors contributing to the increased spread include summer crowds fleeing to indoor air-conditioned spaces, coupled with often suboptimal ventilation measures, escalating the transmission rate.

As the virus persists, the threat is not to be underestimated, especially for vulnerable populations. Officials are particularly concerned about those over 75 years old, suggesting an RSV vaccine as an additional precaution. "I recommend getting the COVID vaccine and the flu vaccine to protect you, because sometimes, if you don’t get it, you could end up in the hospital. It could end up much worse than if you don’t get it," Blaine emphasized in her interview with FOX5 Vegas . With a 25% increase in case rates over the past week, according to Nevada's health dashboard, the narrative is clear: proactive prevention measures are key to navigating the coming seasons with health intact.