Lexington offers ‘especially important’ flu shots for free amid COVID-19 pandemic
In preparation for fighting flu season and the COVID-19 pandemic simultaneously, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department will administer free flu shots in the coming weeks.
The pandemic’s effects have far outpaced flu cases and deaths. Sixty new cases and the death of a person in their 80s were reported Tuesday morning. The city has had 7,931 total cases, 72 deaths and 509 hospitalizations, according to health department data. In the 2019-20 flu season, there were 742 lab-confirmed flu cases and three deaths, according to the health department.
In addition to 60 new cases, there have also been a few confirmed hospitalizations among college students. The health department hadn’t yet specified how many or which colleges the students attended, but there were fewer than five students total.
There were 29 new coronavirus cases among University of Kentucky students in Lexington’s Tuesday morning report. Since early August, 1,709 UK students have been added to Lexington’s case count. The local health department only counts students who are considered Fayette County residents, so not all UK students who test positive are counted in their numbers.
As of Friday, there were 499 active COVID-19 cases among UK students, according to UK’s COVID-19 dashboard.
“The flu shot is especially important this season as we remain in the COVID-19 pandemic,” health department spokesman Kevin Hall said in a statement. “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.”
There were 24 new COVID-19 hospitalizations last week, which was fewer than the week before (30). Health department officials have repeatedly shown concern about the potential for coronavirus hospitalizations to overwhelm Lexington’s capacity.
The seasonal flu shot is recommended for anyone 6 months or older, according to the health department.
The shot 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,” Hall said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also recommended the flu shot for essential workers, including health care workers and nursing home staff members. The immunization is also recommended for adults 65 and older, nursing home residents, anyone with underlying health conditions and anyone else at higher risk for COVID-19.
Drive-through flu shots for high-risk residents
The local health department is offering drive-through flu shots from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 3 at Consolidated Baptist Church, 1625 Russell Cave Road.
The event is limited to people 13 or older, and they must be in a high-risk category, according to the health department. That includes people 50 and over and people who have underlying health conditions like cancer, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease, according to the health department.
Those interested must register online at lfchd.org/drivethru2020. There are up to 400 slots available for free flu shots at this event, according to the health department.
Free shots available all flu season
Following the drive-through event on Oct. 3, the health department will offer free shots for the entire flu season. Shots are available at the Public Health Clinic at 650 Newtown Pike starting Oct. 5. But those wanting a shot must call 859-288-2444 to schedule an appointment, according to the health department. Walk-ins are not allowed to enforce physical distancing.
This story was originally published September 22, 2020 at 9:19 AM.