LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky had a mild flu season in 2020, but Kevin Hall of the Lexington Fayette County Health Department (LFCHD) does not expect it to be that way this year.
What You Need To Know
- Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is hosting a free flu shot clinic Wednesday
- 2020 had a mild flu season as COVID-19 mitigation measures such as universal masking and social distancing also curbed flu spread
- LFCHD encourages everyone to get a flu shot this year
- Walk-ups will be welcome, but registering ahead of time is encouraged
“If you look at the flu last year in Lexington, the numbers were extremely low, but that was an outlier," said Hall. "Schools were not in session. People were not gathering in person. Mask mandates were in place. This year, we anticipate flu season will be quite busy.”
The flu season is coming at a time when Kentucky hospitals report being strapped for resources due to an influx of COVID-19 patients.
“This might be the most important flu shot you ever get because our medical providers, our hospitals and our doctors offices are pushed to the limit right now," said Hall. "Keeping people out of these medical offices and hospitals with other things besides COVID-19 will go a long way towards getting them some relief.”
The LFCHD is hosting a free flu shot clinic Wednesday. That will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. at Consolidated Baptist Church (1625 Russell Cave Rd.). Walk-ins will be welcome, but Hall encourages people to sign up ahead of time to speed up the process once they get there. You can do so on the LFCHD website.
This clinic will just be for the flu shot.
If you cannot attend the flu shot clinic Wednesday, there are other opportunities to get a free flu shot. People can get a free flu shot from the LFCHD Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays at the public health clinic (650 Newtown Pike). Call 859-288-2483 to schedule an appointment.