UK HealthCare

College of Pharmacy Hosting Flu Vaccine Clinic Targeting Underserved Population

Photo by Mark Cornelison | UKphoto
Photo by Mark Cornelison | UK Photo

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 12, 2021) - With flu season underway, the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy is increasing access to vaccines against the illness through an outreach clinic. The clinic is taking place at the Lexington Rescue Mission and will be overseen by Brooke Hudspeth, Pharm.D., chief practice officer for the UK College of Pharmacy. This clinic will give members of the community who might not have easy access to vaccines an opportunity to get their flu shot.

Getting vaccinated in the fall is recommended due to peaks of flu in early February and into the spring. There are several benefits to getting the flu shot each season, such as preventing the flu for yourself and others, preventing a flu associated hospitalization, being protected if you have certain chronic health conditions, and if you are pregnant or have children. Those at higher risks for flu complications are those who are 65 years and older, as well as adults with chronic health conditions.

Some chronic health conditions that put you at higher risk for the flu are:

  • Asthma
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic kidney disease

Although getting a flu shot doesn't completely prevent you from getting the flu, it has been shown to reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get sick. Some side effects can come from getting the flu shot, including mild allergy-like symptoms, fever, and aches. For more information about the getting vaccinated for the flu, contact your health care provider.

The UK College of Pharmacy Vaccine Outreach Clinic at the Lexington Rescue Mission will take place Nov. 15 from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at 444 Glen Arvin Ave. in Lexington.

 

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.