Scottsbluff, Neb., – As November comes to a close and fall turns to winter, you might think it’s too late to get a flu vaccination, but that is simply not the case. As long as flu viruses are spreading, it’s not too late to get vaccinated to protect yourself and your loved ones.

“The flu season typically does not peak in our area until February or March,” said Paulette Schnell, Regional West Community Health nurse manager. “We encourage people who have not yet been vaccinated this season to get vaccinated now, especially those who are at high risk for complications. This includes anyone who is 65 and older.”

To that end, Regional West will have a “Senior Influenza Vaccination Day” from 8 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Dec. 3, at the Community Health office at St. Mary Plaza. The Fluzone High-Dose influenza vaccine will be available for those 65 and older, as will the Tdap vaccine (Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) and two pneumococcal vaccines, Prevnar 13® and Pneumovax 23.  

Schnell noted that although “Senior Influenza Vaccination Day” was planned with senior citizens in mind, vaccinations will be available for the general public as well.

“If you bring a senior citizen to the clinic and you would like to get vaccinated at the same time, we can accommodate you,” Schnell said.

Schnell said that anyone who plans to receive a vaccination should bring their insurance card with them. Medicare Part B will be billed for those who bring their card to the clinic. Flexible options are available for those with no insurance.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is Dec. 6 to 12. Please get a flu vaccination if you haven’t done so already.  It’s safe and your best protection against the flu. For more information, call Regional West Community Health at 308-630-1580.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 182-bed regional referral center and one of three Level II Trauma Centers in the state. As the region’s only tertiary referral medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. With nearly 300 providers, and over 2,000 employees, Regional West provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.