SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Regional West Health Services and Regional West Physicians Clinic will hold its annual drive-through flu shot clinic for Medicare patients on Saturday, September 17 from 8 a.m. to noon at Regional West Medical Plaza South.

The event is being held earlier this year, in part, because The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months of age and older get their seasonal flu shot as soon as vaccine becomes available in their community.

“We developed the drive-through flu shot clinic to encourage Medicare patients to get their flu shots, because they are one of the groups at higher risk for complications from the flu. We hope every driver will gather up their friends and neighbors and drive-through so our nurses can give them a shot while they sit in the comfort and warmth of their cars. We try to make it as easy as possible. When they bring their Medicare Part B card, they get a flu shot at no cost to them,” said Sandy Preston, RN, Community Health Nurse.

Influenza activity usually lasts from October to May in the U.S. Over the course of the flu season, many different influenza viruses can circulate at different times and in different places. Flu vaccination provides protection against the influenza strains contained in the seasonal vaccine for the entire season.

In addition to the drive-through clinic, a walk-in flu shot clinic will be held for adults on Saturday, October 22 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Community Health office at St. Mary Plaza, 3700 Avenue B, Scottsbluff. Flu shots will cost $30 for adults who do not have health insurance. Insurance companies will be billed for adults who do have health insurance. Pneumonia shots will be available at the walk-in clinic for $70.

Medicare Part B will be billed for those who bring their cards to either the drive-through or walk-in clinics.

For children six months to 18 years of age, flu shots are provided by appointment at the regularly scheduled Immunization Clinics and upcoming children’s flu clinics. A $10 donation per child is requested. To schedule an appointment, please call 308-630-1126.

Regional West Health Services is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center and Regional West Physicians Clinic. These organizations, with over 1,800 employees, provide 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, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.