By Chelsea Boyken, Pharmacy Communications Coordinator 

With flu and COVID cases on the rise this holiday season, it is more important than ever to protect yourself and your loved ones by receiving the latest vaccines.

If you haven’t gotten yours yet, you can still receive both standard and high-dose flu shots, as well as the COVID-19 booster at all UK Retail Pharmacy locations and the UK Pharmacist Care Clinic at Fountain Court.

To schedule your vaccination appointment online, scan the QR code at right or click here to make an appointment. Choose the Pharmacy button, then select "Vaccine" and select the vaccines you would like administered. Then chose a time and location that works for you. It’s easy!

The COVID and flu vaccine may be received at the same time; just let your pharmacist know. 

 “Flu and COVID cases are already on the rise in central Kentucky, and many viruses spread more during the holiday season. Getting all the recommended vaccines will give you the best protection against getting sick, especially while travelling and gathering with friends and family,” said UK Pharmacist Care Clinic’s Ryan Babb, Pharm D.

Babb encourages individuals to get their COVID booster even if they previously had COVID-19. “Getting a COVID-19 vaccine after you recover from COVID-19 infection provides added defense against getting the disease again.”

For additional help regarding the timing of your vaccines, call the UK Pharmacist Care Team at 859-562-2018.

UK Retail Pharmacies and the UK Pharmacist Care Clinic, located at 245 Fountain Court, Room 220, off Man O’War near Richmond Road, provide a wide range of point-of-care services, including:

• Vaccinations for COVID-19, flu, RSV, hepatitis A&B, shingles, pneumococcal pneumonia, tetanus and more.

• One-stop testing and treatment for flu, strep A, COVID-19 and more.

• Allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies) testing and consultation to help you manage your symptoms.

• Tobacco cessation support.

For more information about UK Retail Pharmacies or about other vaccinations and services available through the UK Pharmacist Care Clinic, visit ukpharmacy.org.

By Katie Florence, Pharmacy Communications Coordinator 

UK Retail Pharmacies are now offering vaccinations for flu, as well as the new RSV vaccine and COVID-19 booster. Here's what you need to know about each vaccine this fall virus season.

Please note that for all vaccinations, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Flu vaccinations

Both standard and high-dose flu shots are now available at all UK Retail Pharmacy locations and the UK Pharmacist Care Clinic at Fountain Court. The high-dose shot is approved for people age 65 and older. It is recommended that children under 9 years old, pregnant women, HIV patients and transplant patients see their doctor for vaccination. UK HealthCare employees are welcome to get their required flu shot at any UK Retail Pharmacy location; there is no extra reporting step this year, and the pharmacies have badge buddies available. 

Locations and hours

The following UK Retail Pharmacy locations are offering flu and COVID vaccinations:

• The Apothecary in Gatton Student Center (first floor): Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Walk-ins accepted. 
• Chandler Retail Pharmacy: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Appointment only. 
• Good Samaritan Retail Pharmacy: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Appointment only. 
• Kentucky Clinic Retail Pharmacy: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins accepted.
• UK Fountain Court Retail Pharmacy (Pharmacist Care Clinic, Room 220): Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 8 pm. & Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Appointments recommended; walk-ins accepted Monday-Friday.
• Turfland Clinic Retail Pharmacy: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. -4:30 p.m. Walk-ins accepted. 
• University Health Retail Pharmacy: Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Appointments recommended; walk-ins accepted when staffing allows. 

Scan the QR code below to schedule an appointment or visit ukpharmacy.org.

COVID-19 booster

The FDA recently approved a new monovalent COVID vaccine for people 12 years and older. The booster is available through UK Retail Pharmacies. The new vaccine's formulation was created to target virus strains that are currently most common in the community, helping to boost immunity and fight severe infection.

It is advised that patients continue receiving boosters as they are eligible. For additional help regarding the timing of your vaccine series, you can call the Pharmacist Care Team at 859-562-2018.

The COVID vaccine may be received at the same time as the flu shot; just let your pharmacist know. 

The booster is available at all UK Retail Pharmacy locations and the Pharmacist Care Clinic at Fountain Court. COVID vaccinations continue to be free of charge. 

RSV vaccine

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that can cause lung and respiratory tract infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but can also lead to hospitalization and death in older people and infants. The FDA recently approved the first ever vaccines to prevent RSV. 

The RSV vaccine is available for adults 60 years and older at UK Retail Pharmacy locations and the UK Pharmacist Care Clinic at Fountain Court. Appointments are required. 

Another vaccine has also been approved for those who are between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant. Since RSV is highly contagious, this vaccine aims to reduce the risk of severe illness in both the pregnant patient and newborns during the first months of life. It is recommended that those pregnant should talk with their physician first. 

While you can receive all three vaccines at the same time, it may be best to receive the RSV vaccine separate from the flu and COVID vaccines. This will help you know how your body will react to the RSV vaccine for the first time. 

Scheduling an appointment

Appointments for flu, COVID and/or RSV vaccination can be scheduled at a UK Retail Pharmacy, even without a MyChart account. 

Here's how to schedule:

Scan the QR code at right or click here to make an appointment. Choose the Pharmacy button, then select "Vaccine" and select the vaccines you would like administered. Then chose a time and location that works for you.

For more information about UK Retail Pharmacies or about other vaccinations and services available through the Pharmacist Care Clinic, visit ukpharmacy.org.