SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Flu season has begun, but there’s still time to be vaccinated, and that’s the single best way to protect against this potentially dangerous respiratory illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antibodies that provide protection against influenza virus develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. The sooner you get a flu shot, the more likely you are to be protected from a flu outbreak during the peak winter months.

Vaccination is especially important for young children, people who are fifty or older, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions like asthma, heart disease or diabetes. Persons who live with or provide health care to those at high risk, should also be vaccinated. The vaccine is not a live virus and does NOT give people the flu.

Flu shots are available during business hours at the Regional West Community Health office, located on the lower level of the South Unit at 3700 Avenue B. Please call for an appointment, (308) 630-1126.

The fee for flu shots is $30. Medicare Part B will be billed for those who bring their cards. Flu vaccinations will be provided free of charge for children age six months up to their fifth birthday.

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,400 employees, provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, Regional West offers care that spans more than 40 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and is one of three Level II Trauma Centers in the state of Nebraska.