Flu shots now available for the UK campus community

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 28, 2026) — Standard and high-dose flu shots for the 2026 season are now available for UK employees, students and the greater Lexington community at UK Retail Pharmacies and University Health Services (UHS).  

To reduce the risk of serious illness and protect others, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot each year. 

Standard flu shots are available for individuals age 5 and older at all UK Retail Pharmacy locations. The ideal time to receive a flu shot is September or October. The CDC also recommends that people who are pregnant receive a flu shot during influenza season; the vaccination can be given during any trimester of pregnancy. 

The high-dose shot is approved for individuals age 65 and older. 

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

Updated COVID vaccines are also now available. If you would like to receive both vaccines during your visit, just let the pharmacist know. For questions or scheduling help, contact the Pharmacist Care Team at (859) 562-2018. 

University Health Service 

UHS offers flu shots each year unless vaccine supplies are limited; they are not covered by the student health fee. Students can schedule a flu shot appointment through MyChart and should bring their student ID and insurance information to the visit. Students can also receive their flu shot at any convenient UK Retail Pharmacy. 

Retail Pharmacy locations 

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 (A list of employee-only clinics is also available on The Loop). 

Pharmacy 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, 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 5-7 p.m. by appointment only.  

• The Apothecary at Gatton Student Center (first floor) 

  • Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Walk-ins accepted. 

Scheduling an appointment 

Appointments for vaccinations can be scheduled at a UK Retail Pharmacy, even without a MyChart account. Scan the QR code at right or schedule an appointment online. Choose the Pharmacy button, then select “Vaccine” and select the vaccines you would like to get. Then choose a time and location that works for you. 

UK Retail Pharmacies are full-service pharmacies, with six locations in Lexington open to everyone, and one, the Bluegrass Clinic Pharmacy in Beaumont, open to UK employees and patients of the UK Bluegrass Care Clinic. Most insurance plans are accepted. Visit ukpharmacy.org to see a full list of UK Retail Pharmacies locations and services. Questions? Call toll-free (833) 333-UKRx (8579). 

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 learn more 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 UHS 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