Flu shots now available for UK, Lexington community 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 8, 2025) — Flu shots for the 2025 respiratory season are now available for University of Kentucky students, staff and faculty, as well as the broader Lexington community.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend routine annual flu vaccines for everyone older than six months who do not have contraindications. Last year was a particularly bad season for flu, with UK HealthCare seeing near-record hospitalizations from the respiratory illness.  

“Last year, we treated many people who were experiencing intense symptoms of flu — so people having really bad breathing problems, coughing, fevers, feeling very sick,” said Nicholas Van Sickels, M.D., medical director for UK HealthCare Infection Prevention and Control. “The flu vaccine is the number one way to keep yourself from getting hospitalized. It may not necessarily keep you from getting the flu, but it’ll keep you from becoming very sick with the flu.” 

Standard and high-dose flu shots for the 2025 season are now available at UK Retail Pharmacies. Standard flu shots are available for anyone age 5 and older at all UK Retail Pharmacy locations. Those who are pregnant should consult their OB/GYN before getting vaccinated. The high-dose shot is approved for anyone age 65 and older. 

The UK Pharmacist Care Clinic, located at 245 Fountain Court, off Man O’War near Richmond Road, offers flu vaccines for patients 6 months and older. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all UK Retail Pharmacy locations. 

In addition to flu protection, COVID vaccines are currently available to patients 65 and older, or those under 65 with one or more high risk comorbid conditions. Patients outside these groups will need a valid prescription from a provider. Ask your pharmacist about receiving both vaccines during the same visit. For questions or scheduling help, you can reach the Pharmacist Care Team at 859-562-2018. 

UK HealthCare employees can receive their required flu shot at any UK Retail Pharmacy location. No additional reporting is needed, and badge buddies are available. 

See details below for when/where you can receive your flu vaccine. Some clinics offer walk-in appointments; if an appointment is needed, it can be scheduled online or at a UK Retail Pharmacy, even without a MyChart account.  

UK Retail Pharmacies hours for flu vaccines: 

• Chandler Retail Pharmacy 
  Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. by appointment only. 

• Good Samaritan Retail Pharmacy
  Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. by appointment only. 

• Kentucky Clinic Retail Pharmacy
  Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Walk-ins accepted. 

• Pharmacist Care Clinic (245 Fountain Court), Room 220
  Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Closed 1-1:30 p.m.) Walk-ins accepted. 
  Saturday-Sunday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. by appointment only. Walk-ins accepted when staffing allows. 

• Turfland Clinic Retail Pharmacy
  Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Appointments recommended; walk-ins accepted when staffing allows. 

• UK Fountain Court Retail Pharmacy
  Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. & 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. by appointment only. 

• The Apothecary at Gatton Student Center (first floor)
  Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Walk-ins accepted. 

• University Health Retail Pharmacy
  Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. by appointment only. 

Flu shots are also available to the UK community during these events (bring UK ID and insurance information): 

UK College of Pharmacy vaccine clinic (UK College of Pharmacy atrium, 789 South Limestone) 

• 8-11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17

• 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18

Well-A-Palooza (Barker Plaza and Boone Center, 500 Rose Street)

How else can I protect myself from the flu?  

In addition to getting the seasonal flu shot, the best ways to avoid contracting the flu are:  

• Wash your hands regularly, using either soap and water for 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (allow it to dry completely before performing tasks or eating).  

• In large group settings or when working with patients or other immunocompromised populations, wearing a mask can help protect you from contracting the flu or from spreading it to others.   

• Regularly sanitize surfaces in your home or work environment that come in frequent contact with people using soap or other disinfecting products designed to kill cold and flu viruses (such as Clorox or Lysol wipes). 

What should I do if I think I have the flu? 

Typically, people with the flu have a relatively quick onset of symptoms, with fevers, chills, aches, cough and nasal symptoms like stuffiness or runny noses. Sometimes, people can have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea as well. 

Over-the-counter tests are readily available at local pharmacies for COVID and influenza, and they are a good way to get a diagnosis without leaving your house – you can get results in as little as 15 minutes. If you do not have an over-the-counter test at home, call your doctor’s office or check-in with local pharmacies, including  UK Pharmacy Services, to see about testing and treatment.  

A trip to your doctor’s office or urgent care is generally recommended if you think you have the flu. Students can make an appointment at University Health Service through their MyChart account. 

However, seek out emergency care if you or a loved one experience any of these severe symptoms of the flu:  

• Shortness of breath or a bluish tint to skin or lips  

• Inability to think clearly; confusion  

• Significant dehydration (either from inability to eat/drink or from vomiting/diarrhea)  

• Sudden dizziness or frequent dizzy spells