Campus Flu Vaccine Clinics Offered for Students, Employees

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 30, 2019) — Flu season is upon us. Starting around October and lasting sometimes through April, the flu can easily spread through campus. But don’t worry – there are several ways to avoid getting sick - primarily getting an annual flu vaccination.

Dr. Ann Hays, medical director at University Health Service (UHS), says everyone older than six months of age should get a yearly flu vaccine to protect themselves from influenza and its complications.

“The flu vaccine reduces the chance of catching the flu, having to be hospitalized because of the flu, dying from flu complications and it decreases the intensity of the illness if you catch the flu despite getting vaccinated,” Hays says.

In addition to washing your hands and face often, there are other important actions to take when trying to stay healthy. Hays says to protect your immune system in other ways, like getting enough sleep and eating a well-balanced diet. Illness spreads very quickly in an environment like a college campus, so it is important to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

UHS provides students and campus employees with the most important tool to combat the flu – vaccine clinics. Students can get their flu shots for free with a valid UK Student Insurance Plan, or for $10 by showing their student ID. All campus employees can get their vaccines for $20 by showing their campus ID. Here is a list of all the vaccine clinics with times and locations.

Oct. 1: UHS First Floor Lobby, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Oct. 8: Gatton Student Center room 330 A/B, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Oct. 9: William T. Young Library Gallery Room, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

Oct. 15: UHS First Floor Lobby, 3 p.m.-6 p.m.

Oct. 16: Johnson Center Lobby, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

Oct. 23: William T. Young Library Gallery Room, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

The following are the flu shot clinics for UK HealthCare employees. The vaccine is required for these employees and is free with a UK employee ID badge. Both of these clinics are in the Chandler Hospital, Pavilion A, room A01.123.

Oct. 3: Chandler Hospital, Pavilion A room A01.123, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Oct. 21: Chandler Hospital, Pavilion A room A01.123, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

Oct. 23: Whitney Hendrickson Building Room 249, 12 p.m.-2 p.m.

Oct. 26: Chandler Hospital Pavilion A Room 11.005, 6 a.m.-8 a.m.

Oct. 28: Kentucky Children's Hospital Room HA 412, 6 a.m.-8 a.m.