SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. They not only help protect vaccinated individuals, but also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.

In recognition of National Infant Immunization Week, Regional West Community Health advises parents of the importance of getting infants immunized and keeping immunizations up to date.

“Immunizations protect children from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases, so all children should be immunized before age two. Because of the success of vaccines in preventing disease, parents often are unaware that their children are at risk for so many serious and life-threatening diseases,” said Paulette Schnell, RN, MSN, director of Regional West Community Health.

“By preventing disease, vaccines also reduce the costs associated with missed time from work, doctor visits, and hospitalizations,” she said.

Immunization is extremely safe. Vaccines are thoroughly tested before being approved for public use and are monitored carefully by doctors, researchers and public health officials.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Vaccines For Children (VFC) program. VFC is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay. The VCF program helps children get their vaccines according to the recommended immunization schedule. Regional West Community Health offers immunizations at no cost for newborns through 19-year-olds without insurance. No child will be turned away due to inability to pay.

Immunization clinics are held on the first, second and third Tuesdays of the month from 3 to 7 p.m. Please call 308-630-1580 for an appointment.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 188-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 in-network providers, and 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.