SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is strongly recommending that all individuals age six months and older have a flu immunization as soon as possible if they have not done so already.
Seasonal flu is now widespread and has resulted in many hospitalizations throughout the state. In Lancaster County, two deaths due to influenza have been confirmed by the state health department. Both the adult and child who died had been not been vaccinated.

A walk-in flu shot clinic for adults and children will be held tomorrow, Thursday, January 10 at the Regional West Community Health. The clinic will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Community Health Office in St. Mary Plaza, 3700 Avenue B, Scottsbluff. No appointment is needed.

Flu shots cost $30. You may pay by cash or check or bring your card and the Community Health office will bill Medicare, Medicaid, or your insurance company.

Uninsured children from six months to 19 years of age who qualify for the Vaccine for Children program are eligible for flu shots at no cost.

“We want to emphasize that young children are at high risk for complications from the flu. All children age six months and older and all caregivers who have contact with them should get a flu vaccination,” said Sandy Preston, RN, Regional West Community Health Nurse and Immunization Coordinator.

This year, the flu vaccine protects against two strains of influenza type A and one strain of type B.

“Even those who have had the flu should get vaccinated once they are well. If not, they remain susceptible to getting one of the other strains of flu,” said Preston.

If you are unable to attend the walk-in flu shot clinic, you can schedule an appointment at Regional West Community Health by calling 308-630-2700, Option 1. Flu vaccinations are also available from local health providers and pharmacies.
For more information about the flu or vaccinations, please call Regional West Community Health at 308-630-1126.

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,800 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 30 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by The Joint Commission and is one of three Level II Trauma Centers in Nebraska.

Flu Facts
The flu is NOT a stomach/intestinal illness
• The flu is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by influenza viruses. It is a highly infectious disease that can cause mild to severe illness, like pneumonia, and lead to death.

Symptoms
• Fever, cough, sore throat, headache, fatigue, chills, achiness

Who needs a flu vaccination
• Children under age five (especially six months to two years)
• Household contacts of persons at high risk for flu complications, especially babies six months and younger who are at high risk but are too young be vaccinated.
• Adults age 65 years and older
• People who care for those at high risk
• Pregnant women
• Health care workers
• People with asthma , neurological and neuro-developmental conditions, chronic lung disease, heart disease, blood disorders, diabetes, kidney disorders, liver disorders, metabolic disorders, obesity, a weakened immune system and those under age 19 who receive long-term aspirin therapy
• People living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

Reduce your flu risk
• Vaccination is the best prevention, full protection occurs about two weeks after vaccination
• Stay home if you have flu symptoms
• Avoid people who have symptoms
• Wash hands thoroughly and frequently
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze