Here’s where you can get a second COVID booster for free in Lexington this week
Individuals in the U.S. age 50 and older, along with those who have compromised immune systems, are now eligible for a second booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Last week, federal regulators signed off on another booster – the fourth shot in the series for many – for groups at-risk for the most serious complications of COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.
“A second booster dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine could help increase protection levels for these higher-risk individuals,” Dr. Peter Marks, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration official, said in a news release March 29. “Additionally, the data show that an initial booster dose is critical in helping to protect all adults from the potentially severe outcomes of COVID-19. So, those who have not received their initial booster dose are strongly encouraged to do so.”
After receiving additional clearance from state officials, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department will begin offering a second booster shot to eligible people this week, the department’s spokesman confirmed.
Lexington health department to start giving second boosters
Health department spokesman Kevin Hall confirmed to the Herald-Leader the agency will begin offering these shots Wednesday.
“We received the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s guidance [Monday] and plan on giving the booster to eligible people in our Public Health Clinic starting Wednesday,” Hall wrote in an email.
“The booster, along with all the COVID-19 vaccines, will be free by same-day appointment three days a week (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday) by calling 859-288-2483,” Hall added.
Other options: UK HealthCare, Kroger, Walgreens pharmacies
University of Kentucky spokesman Jay Blanton confirmed anyone – not just UK students – can get their second booster shot at UK HealthCare pharmacy locations.
“Our locations will accept walk-in appointments, as long as they are eligible for another dose,” Blanton wrote in an email. “There will be no charge to the patient.”
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you request an appointment at ukhealthcare.uky.edu/covid-19/vaccine.
For more information, including each pharmacy’s location and phone number, you can go online to ukhealthcare.uky.edu/pharmacy-services.
Kroger Pharmacy is also accepting appointment requests at kroger.com/rx/guest/get-vaccinated.
A pharmacy representative who answered the phone at the Kroger located on Lowry Lane said the location is offering follow-up boosters to those who are eligible – although they are only offering the Moderna vaccine currently.
There is no charge to the recipient, the store representative said.
Walgreens is also accepting appointment requests for additional vaccine boosters.
Additionally, booster shots are available through St. Claire HealthCare, based in Morehead.
A St. Claire HealthCare representative said all vaccines and boosters are at no charge to the recipient and more information is available at st-claire.org/covidvaccine.
This story was originally published April 5, 2022 at 2:17 PM.