SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., –Flu shot clinics are scheduled at the end of October at Regional West Medical Center and Horizons West Medical Group.

“Unlike last year, there is no risk of flu clinic cancellations as vaccine shipments have arrived on time,” said Community Health Nurse Paulette Schnell, R.N.

She encourages everyone to get a flu shot.

“Even if you’re healthy, you should get a flu shot if you live with or care for people at high risk for severe complications from influenza including young children and senior citizens. Our goal is to prevent people from getting the flu so they can’t spread it to other, more vulnerable people,” she said.

Horizons West Medical Group will offer the popular drive-through flu shot clinics for high-risk adults on Saturday, Oct. 27 and again Nov. 3 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Regional West Medical Center South Plaza parking lot.

The drive-through clinics are open to persons 65-years or older, those with chronic medical conditions, residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities, pregnant women, health care personnel who provide direct patient care, and household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than five years old.

Children’s flu vaccinations will be offered only at the walk-in clinics on Oct. 30 and Nov.13 at the Community Health office at the Regional West South Unit. Flu vaccinations will be provided free of charge for children age six months up to five years old.

Pneumonia shots will be available only at the walk-in clinics.

The fee for flu shots is $30. Pneumonia shots are $45. Medicare Part B will be billed for those who bring their cards.

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 only three Level II Trauma Centers in the state of Nebraska.