Need your flu shot? Here’s some free options in Lexington for students, others

Aaron Mudd
·2 min read

October typically marks the start of flu season in the U.S., but according to public health experts warning of a “twindemic,” there’s nothing typical about the flu this year.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine each year, with few exceptions. Ideally, the CDC says, everyone should be vaccinated against the flu by the end of October, before the flu activity really begins to heat up.

But after two years of the coronavirus pandemic, during which flu activity declined due to public health measures like masking indoors, some experts believe the virus will catch people off guard and return with a vengeance this season.

Australia, for example, not only saw a greater number of flu cases, but experienced the flu season earlier than usual for the Southern Hemisphere, BuzzFeed News reported.

Luckily, there are several ways Lexington and Fayette County residents can get their flu vaccines on time this year and at no cost. Here’s how.

Free flu vaccines from the health department

Appointments are now open for a free flu shot clinic offered by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department Oct. 13 at Consolidated Baptist Church at 1625 Russell Cave Road.

The time slots are between 3 and 7 p.m., and registration is available online at LFCHD’s website or the Spanish-language version.

CVS offers free flu shots

CVS Pharmacy is now offering flu vaccines at no cost with most kinds of insurance and Medicare Part B. According to details at CVS.com/Flu, there is no copayment unless required by your plan.

CVS lists the following prices on its website:

  • Standard vaccine (quadrivalent): $49.99

  • Standard vaccine (egg‐free) (Flublok): $94.99

  • Adults 65+ vaccine (Fluzone high dose, FLUAD): $94.99

You can sign-up for an appointment online at CVS.com. Other area pharmacies are also offering the flu shot.

University of Kentucky students get flu shots free

University of Kentucky students can get their flu shots at no cost by presenting their student identification at a campus clinic.

The shots will be made available at the following clinics:

  • Oct. 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Gatton Student Center Barker Plaza

  • Nov. 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at William T. Young Library Gallery Room

  • Nov. 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gatton Student Center Room 330AB

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