SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. ― The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated vaccinations for influenza prevent tens of thousands of hospitalizations each year. Regional West wants to help our community in protecting themselves from the flu virus by offering multiple, convenient vaccine options.

Starting Oct. 3, flu vaccines are available for anyone six months of age and older Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 313 West 38^th St. in Scottsbluff. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Three different types of vaccines are offered: standard-dose, high dose (for 65 years of age and older), and egg-free. To schedule your appointment, call Regional West Community Health at 308-630-1126.

Regional West’s annual drive-thru (high-dose) flu shot clinic for Medicare patients 65 years of age and older is set for Saturday, Oct. 8 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Regional West Medical Plaza South. Participants should wear a mask, clothing with short sleeves, and bring their Medicare Part B card.

Regional West Physicians Clinic-Pediatrics will offer a flu shot clinic for children six months of age and older on Oct. 12, 13, and 14 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Regional West Medical Plaza South. To schedule your child’s appointment, call the Pediatrics clinic at 308-630-1811.

Regional West Community Health will also provide a walk-in family clinic for ages six months and older on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 8 to 11 a.m. at 313 West 38^th St. in Scottsbluff. Participants should wear a mask and clothing with short sleeves.

“The influenza vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against the flu and possible complications,” said Paulette Schnell, RN, MSN, Regional West Community Health director. “Vaccination has been shown to have many benefits including reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and even the risk of flu-related deaths.”

Regional West Physicians Clinic-Family Medicine clinics also offer flu shots. Call the location nearest you to schedule an appointment- Chappell, 308-874-2549; Gering, 308-436-2101; Morrill, 308-247-3475; Sidney, 308-254-9192; and Scottsbluff, 308-630-2100. For Sidney’s drive-thru clinic information and dates, call 308-254-9192. You can also visit the Regional West Facebook page for more flu shot clinic information.

Garden County residents and those in surrounding communities can receive a flu shot by scheduling an appointment at Regional West Garden County at 308-772-3283 or visiting the Regional West Garden County Facebook page.

All insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid are accepted at the clinics. Patients should wear a mask and bring their insurance, Medicaid, and/or Medicare cards with them. Flexible options will be available for those without insurance.

All Regional West healthcare facilities continue to screen all employees and patients for COVID-19 related symptoms upon entry.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 188-bed regional referral center and the only Level II Trauma Center in Nebraska west of Kearney. 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 in-network providers and approximately 2,000 staff members, 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.