Fayette Health Department sets flu shot clinics

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is giving residents the chance to fight the flu for free all fall and winter.

Up to 1,000 free flu shots will be given 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, at Consolidated Baptist Church, 1625 Russell Cave Road. Walk-ins are accepted, and registration blocks can be made at www.lfchd.org/flushots2021

A special page in Spanish is available at www.lfchd.org/gripe2021espanol.

Residents should stay home if they have currently tested positive for COVID-19, are under isolation or quarantine orders or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Masks are required for everyone ages 2 and older. The COVID-19 vaccine is not available at the one-day flu shot clinic.

Starting Monday, Oct. 4, flu shots will also be available for free all season by same-day appointment only at LFCHD’s Public Health Clinic, 650 Newtown Pike. Please call 859-288-2483 to make an appointment; walk-ins will not be accepted in the Public Health Clinic.

“An annual flu shot is the best way to fight the flu each fall and winter,” LFCHD spokesperson Kevin Hall said. “The flu shot remains important this year as we remain in the COVID-19 pandemic. It can help reduce the overall impact on respiratory illnesses on the population, which will lessen the burden on our healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

In addition to helping prevent from getting sick with flu, a flu shot can reduce the severity of the illness for those who do get flu and reduce the risk of a flu-associated hospitalization.

The seasonal flu shot is recommended for all people ages 6 months and older and is especially important for people at the highest risk of serious complications from the flu: infants and young children, pregnant women, anyone with underlying medical conditions and adults 50 and older.