Pfizer vaccines are available at all locations, including Chandler Retail Pharmacy, Good Samaritan Retail Pharmacy, Kentucky Clinic Retail Pharmacy, the Pharmacist Care Clinic at Fountain Court, Turfland Clinic Retail Pharmacy, UK Fountain Court Retail Pharmacy, UK The Apothecary at Gatton Student Center, and University Health Retail Pharmacy.
Moderna vaccines are available at the Pharmacist Care Clinic and Kentucky Clinic Pharmacy.
It’s safe to receive both your yearly flu shot and your COVID-19 booster at the same appointment, which can be helpful if you’ve got a busy schedule or if you’re preparing to travel. However, UK Pharmacy Manager Ryan Babb said getting a COVID-19 shot now and a flu shot separately in early October may help give you an edge against seasonal illness.
"You get about six months of coverage from that vaccination, and you want to make sure you have some coverage into the spring months as well, because flu does really still circulate, especially in the Fayette County area," said Babb.
Most Kentuckians will be able to access the vaccine at no cost through their insurance - private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid all are required to cover it; however, the 5% of Kentuckians who are uninsured will no longer have universal access to COVID-19 vaccines.
Last year, the US Department of Health and Human Services launched a bridge access program to keep COVID-19 vaccines free for uninsured people. It was set to last through 2024, but ended early after Congress blocked remaining COVID emergency spending. CDC funding is enabling some local health departments - including the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department - to offer vaccines at no cost for uninsured people. LFCHD's Public Health Clinic said they will soon be offering these free shots, with same-day appointments available by calling 859-288-2483.
Babb said free vaccines for those without insurance could also be made available at UK's Pharmacist Care Clinic using state resources, but are not likely to be available until "late September."