Big Blue Flu Fight: UK, UT face off in flu shot contest

This flu season, the University of Kentucky and the University of Tennessee are taking their rivalry off the field, competing to see who can give the most flu vaccinations.

Getting involved is easy. Flu vaccines for the competition can be received at the UK Pharmacist Care Clinic, located at 245 Fountain Court, Room 220, off Man O’ War near Richmond Road. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can schedule an appointment online. Choose the Pharmacy button, then select “Vaccine” and the vaccines you would like administered. Then select a time that works best for you at the UK Pharmacist Care location.

The UK Pharmacist Care Clinic is also hosting vaccine clinics in the William T. Young Library on UK’s campus:

• Wednesday, Nov. 13: 4-7 p.m. in the William T. Young Alumni Gallery (Room 1-65)
• Thursday, Nov. 21: 4-7 p.m. in the William T. Young Alumni Gallery (Room 1-65)

COVID-19 vaccinations are also available and can be received at the same time as the flu shot; just let your pharmacist know.

UK HealthCare is committed to providing easy access to flu and COVID vaccinations to the community, including UK students, staff and faculty members. Each vaccination helps protect you and supports our effort to beat the Volunteers, both on and off the field.  So, roll up your sleeves and join in the friendly competition to help stop the spread of the flu.

UK Retail Pharmacies are full-service pharmacies, with seven 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 learn more about UK Retail Pharmacies and the UK Pharmacist Care Clinic. Questions? Call toll-free 833-333-UKRx (8579).e

Mpox vaccine now available at UK Retail Pharmacies

Four University of Kentucky Retail Pharmacies are now able to administer the mpox (formerly monkeypox) vaccine to improve access to those at risk across Central and Eastern Kentucky.  

Cases of mpox may be far from people’s minds as the numbers are significantly lower than two years ago. However, the United States reports an average of 50-60 cases a week, with cases still diagnosed here in Kentucky.  

Mpox causes an often-painful rash, fevers, chills, and requires significant time in isolation after infection. Fortunately, severe complications, including death, are very rare. Currently there is not a readily available treatment for mpox, so the best option for communities at risk is vaccination.  

The vaccine (trade name Jynneos) is safe, effective and given in two doses over a 28-day period. Common side effects can include itching and a small lump at the injection site, which goes away with time.  

The Jynneos vaccine is part of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)’s adult vaccine recommendations, and is covered by almost all major insurers (some might have a copayment). UK employee and student health plans cover the vaccine with zero copayment. For those who are uninsured, a limited number of doses are available through grant funding secured by the University via the Kentucky Department for Public Health.   

The following UK Retail Pharmacies offer the mpox vaccine: 

• UK The Apothecary (ground floor, Gatton Student Center, 160 Avenue of Champions) 

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

• Kentucky Clinic Retail Pharmacy (1st floor, Kentucky Clinic, 740 S. Limestone) 

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

• Turfland Retail Pharmacy (1st floor, UK HealthCare-Turfland, 2195 Harrodsburg Road) 

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

• Fountain Court Retail Pharmacy (1st floor, UK HealthCare-Fountain Court, 245 Fountain Court) 

  • Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Closed 1-1:30 p.m.) Walk-ins accepted. 

  • Saturday, 8:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m. by appointment only. Walk-ins accepted when staffing allows.  

COVID, flu vaccinations available at UK Retail Pharmacies

The new COVID-19 vaccine, along with standard and high-dose flu shots for the 2024 flu season, are now available at UK Retail Pharmacies. 

The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated 2024-25 COVID vaccine. The new vaccine will help protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID this fall and winter. This is regardless of whether you have ever previously received a COVID vaccine.

Standard flu shots are available for people age 5 and older at all UK Retail Pharmacy locations. (It is recommended that pregnant women discuss all vaccinations with their OB/GYN first.) The high-dose shot is approved for people age 65 and older.

The UK Pharmacist Care Clinic location in S. Lexington near Man O' War and Richmond Road, offers flu and COVID vaccines for those 6 months and older. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all locations. 

The COVID vaccine may be received at the same time as the flu shot; just let your pharmacist know. For additional help regarding vaccinations, you can reach the Pharmacist Care Team at 859-562-2018.

Pharmacy hours for flu and COVID vaccines

• Chandler Retail Pharmacy
  • Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. - 4 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 8:15 a.m. - 4:15 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. & 5-7 p.m. by appointment only.
  • Sunday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. by appointment only. 
  • The Pharmacist Care Clinic is located on the second floor and accepts walk-ins. See the clinic's hours above. 
• UK 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 a.m. - 4 p.m. Appointments recommended; walk-ins accepted when staffing allows. 

UK HealthCare employees are welcome to get their required flu shot at any UK Retail Pharmacy location; there is no extra reporting step, and the pharmacies have badge buddies available. 

Scheduling an appointment

Appointments for vaccinations can be schedule at a UK Retail Pharmacy, even without a MyChart account.

Scan the QR code or schedule an appointment online. Choose the Pharmacy button, then select "Vaccine" and select the vaccines you would like administered. Then choose a time and location that works for you. 

What to do if you're feeling sick

If you're feeling under the weather, UK Retail Pharmacies offer one-stop testing and treatment for COVID, flu, strep and UTIs. With same-day appointments available, you can get tested and conveniently leave with the medication you need if you test positive. 

While walk-ins are welcome, scheduling an appointment online is easy. Select "Pharmacy," then "Flu, Covid, Strep A or UTI Testing" and fill out the information. Services vary by location. Visit ukpharmacy.org to learn more.

Home COVID testing kits are also available for purchase at UK Retail Pharmacy locations.

The CDC recommends that if you are experience symptoms of flu or COVID, you should stay home and avoid contact with others until you are symptom-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. This helps prevent the spread of these viruses to others. Additionally, continue to take precautions, such as wearing a mask and limiting unnecessary contact with others, for five days after symptoms improve. 

To ensure the health and well-being of those around you, take advantage of the convenient services offered by UK Retail Pharmacies and follow CDC guidelines. 

UK Retail Pharmacies are full-service pharmacies, with seven 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).

UK Retail Pharmacies twice voted Best Pharmacies in Lexington

For the second time this year, UK Retail Pharmacies have been crowned the Best Pharmacies in Lexington. The latest accolade comes from winning first place in the Pharmacy category in the Lexington Herald-Leader's Best of Lexington contest. This follows our earlier win in Smiley Pete's Best of Lex awards, where we also took first place.

This dual recognition is a testament to the outstanding service and commitment to health UK Retail Pharmacies provide to the community. 

"We are incredibly honored to be recognize again as the Best Pharmacies in Lexington," said Dan Grantz, PharmD, senior director of Retail & Community Pharmacy Services. "These recognitions reflect our team's hard work and commitment to providing the highest quality of care to our patients."

Community votes determine the winners of both the Lexington Herald-Leader's Best of Lexington and Smiley Pete's Best of Lex awards, recognizing businesses that go above and beyond in serving their customers.

UK Retail Pharmacies are full-service pharmacies, with seven 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.

To learn more about UK Retail Pharmacies, visit ukpharmacy.org or call toll-free 833-333-UKRx (8579).