Central Kentucky seeing summer COVID surge. Here’s where you can find the new vaccine
Updated COVID-19 vaccines formulated to protect against the latest strain of the virus will soon be available in Lexington, including through UK HealthCare, according to a statement from the hospital system’s chief pharmacy officer.
“UK HealthCare expects to begin giving the new COVID-19 vaccine as early as next week,” Dr. Philip J. Almeter told the Herald-Leader Monday in an emailed statement forwarded by a spokesperson.
“These newer vaccines are more effective against the current strains of COVID in circulation, and they were given [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] emergency use authorization last week,” Almeter added.
The updated vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna were approved Aug. 22, but local pharmacies and the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department are already preparing for this fall’s rollout. It comes as Fayette County is seeing a summer surge of COVID-19, with cases more than doubling here between July and August.
Here’s what to know about these latest vaccines, including how effective they are, who should get them and how soon you can book your appointment.
When can I get my updated COVID-19 vaccine?
UK HealthCare expects to receive the new vaccines as early as next week. The hospital system may have more information to share later this week, according to spokesperson Allison Perry.
“Once we have the new COVID-19 vaccine in stock, you can make an appointment to schedule your vaccine at one of our UK Retail Pharmacies locations by visiting ukhealthcare.uky.edu/covid-19/vaccine. Click ‘Make an Appointment,’ then ‘Pharmacy,’ then ‘Vaccine’ to get started,” Almeter explained.
Alternatively, pharmacy chains such as Walgreens are beginning to offer appointment booking for the shot. Walgreens will offer appointments nationwide beginning Sept. 6, though appointments for pediatric and toddler patients will come at a later date, the pharmacy said in a news release Thursday.
Similarly, CVS is offering appointment booking now for the updated vaccine.
Monday, Kroger announced its pharmacies are accepting appointments for seasonal flu, RSV and updated COVID-19 vaccines. Patients can also make appointments at Meijer pharmacies at clinic.meijer.com
As of Tuesday afternoon, Lexington-Fayette County Health Department spokesperson Kevin Hall said the agency is anticipating guidance from the Kentucky Department for Public Health on the vaccine rollout. The LFCHD often offers vaccines through its public health clinic, particularly for the uninsured.
How effective are this year’s updated COVID-19 vaccines?
These latest vaccines are formulated to offer a high degree of protection against circulating coronavirus variants. According to a report by NPR on the recent approval, the new vaccines cut the risk of getting COVID by 60 to 70% and the risk of becoming severely ill from COVID-19 by 80 to 90%.
If you’re a healthy adult and are wondering if you should get the vaccine, the shot still provides protection. Studies have shown individuals who have received three or more doses of the vaccine cut their risk of developing long COVID-19 by 70%.
For added convenience, you can get your updated COVID-19 vaccine during the same pharmacy visit as your seasonal flu shot. Doing so sooner rather than later allows your body to build up resistance to both viruses before the busy holiday season, when you’re likely to come into contact with many friends and family members.
Who should get a COVID shot and when?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone ages 6 months and older receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine this year.
That said, if you’ve recently recovered from COVID-19, consider waiting at least 90 days before getting the newest vaccine, given that may result in a better immune response and longer-lasting protection.
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